Chapter 26 - The Silver StarThe afternoon sun was golden over the manicured grass of Arlington National Cemetery.
A full military honor guard stood in formation beside a sleek, newly erected white marble headstone. Dozens of veteran pilots, active-duty service members, and family friends gathered in silent reverence.
General Marcus Cole stood before the crowd, holding a small velvet box containing the Silver Star—one of the nation’s highest awards for valor in aerial flight.
“For heroic action and absolute dedication to duty,” Cole read aloud, his voice steady against the wind. “Captain Ethan Hayes sacrificed his life to protect the integrity of his country’s airspace and the lives of his fellow airmen. His actions on November 14, 2014, represent the highest traditions of military service.”
Cole stepped forward and handed the medal to Daniel.
Daniel held the heavy metal star in his hand, his eyes glistening with tears as he looked down at his father’s name carved cleanly into the white marble:
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ETHAN HAYES CAPTAIN, US AIR FORCE A GUARDIAN OF THE SKY
The sound of seven rifles firing a three-volley salute echoed across the rolling hills of the cemetery, followed by the soft, haunting notes of Taps played by a lone bugler under the oak trees.
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