A man stands silently. Wind ruffles thin and greying hair. 

He thinks about the arguments, disagreements about arming, appeasement. The yelling. The elder wants to arm. The younger wants peace.

Then the first annexation. The first invasion.

Disagreement turns, becomes less vehement.

Another annexation, invasion under pretence.

The middle ground transforms to agreement, then passion, commitment.

Commitment followed by enlistment. Departures, see you soon.

The rain when the telegram arrives. Deeply regret to inform you… The tears. Sadness. 

The Portland Stone monument. The name, the dates. June 6, 1944.

“I said I would see you again” spoken to empty air.