The Rocket's Red Glare

Private First Class Danny Murphy, honorably discharged from the United States Army July of 1974.  Fought for his country, took shrapnel to his right leg just above the knee, watched his best friend die in his arms, got spat on in the airport when finally stateside, came home and married Virginia Ellery, his high school sweetheart.  Still refuses, after 30 some years, to go to fireworks displays - says that it brings back too many memories.

Independence Day comes around once again, and Ginnie, as she does every year, tries her best to talk Danny into joining the family for the fireworks show later in the evening.  He says no.  Ginnie pleads with him to reconsider.  He says no again.  She tells him that the grandchildren wish him to go.  She assures him that she won't leave his side.  She says that it is only one night a year.  He reluctantly agrees. 

The park is crowded, bustling with anticipation.  Ignoring the strange hue brought on by the setting sun, people continue with their games of catch, and happy picnics on the damp grass from an early afternoon shower.  The Murphy family attempts to find a place for their chairs.  They must maneuver pass crowds of people that never seem to end.  The natural light fades, and the soft glow of the lamp posts dissipate.  Danny is separated from his group.  He is trapped in pitch black.  The air suddenly fills with a red glow.  Now white.  Now blue.  Thunderous roars emanate from the bright flashes of light.  A car backfires in the distance.  A baby cries in terror - Danny knows this sound all too well.  He hears a voice in his head: "Stand together, men.  No one gets left behind."  Flash of light.  BANG.  "Murphy, get down!"  "I can't feel my legs!"  "Oh, God!  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...."  Flash.  BOOM.  The minutes drag on and on.  When will this stop?  Will it ever end? God, are you there?

The noise ceases and a small child comes into view.  Everything else blurs.     

"Sir, my daddy says that if I wanted to meet an honest-to-goodness, real-life hero, I should come over here and shake your hand."  The boy looks at Danny and squints his eyes, determined to take in every inch of the aging soldier.  "You look like the strongest man in the world; you must be a hero!"

A single tear, filled with gratitude, falls from Danny's eyes.  He reaches over and takes the boy's hand in his own. 


~ Kalila Borden (4 July 2007)