Pilgrimage (The New World) Read Online Free Page B

Hood carried the coffin to the gravesite. One of the many arrangements that Robert had taken care of during recent days was to ensure that his father received a proper military funeral. Retired United States Army Major Henry (Hank) Martin would get the sendoff he so richly deserved, because his length of service during both war and peacetime had earned him such an honor. The only miscalculation on Robert’s part was the twenty-one gun salute, as the loud noise had startled Jessica and made her scream.
    As the American flag draped upon Hank’s coffin was folded with precision into a white star-filled triangle of blue, the solemn sound of taps was played by the lone trumpet player nearby. All the retired and active duty military personnel in attendance snapped to attention and saluted their comrade in arms, while Mable, Elizabeth, and many of the other women shed several more tears.
    The flag was then presented to Hank’s son Lieutenant Colonel Robert Martin on behalf of a grateful nation, while Ross comforted his little sister. Robert then stood in front of Ross to present the flag to him, and whispered into his ear a message that would resonate for years to come. He told Ross that his wish was for him to keep this flag for the remainder of his life in remembrance of the sacrifices that his grandpa had made for America, and that he someday pass Robert’s burial flag onto one of his own children in similar style. Ross stood and saluted to accept the honor of the flag, while pledging aloud to fulfill the desire of his father. It became crystal clear to him at that instant what his destiny would be, and he had his grandfather to thank for the motivational inspiration.

 

     
     
    ON THE MORNING of June 7 th , 1968, Ross made sure the necklace that once belonged to his grandpa was safely tucked inside his shirt collar, as he fastened the top button and adjusted his tie. Due largely in part to the upcoming event, this particular Friday was going to be better than most, and he wanted to get on with it. Now standing a few inches over six feet tall, the seventeen year-old was about to complete the last compulsory event of his high school years by delivering a speech during commencement as the valedictorian of his graduating class of fifty-one students.
    Jessica soon appeared at his bedroom door to see how her older brother was doing, and gave him a big smile and kiss on his check before fine tuning the knot of his tie. Even though the tie was already perfect, she couldn’t resist the temptation because Ross had done so many things over the years to assist her. The team of brother and sister had grown even closer throughout the past seven years, and had learned how to rely on each other more than their father. That in effect made this day of celebration for Ross somewhat bitter sweet for Jessica. Her big brother was about to graduate high school, and in a few weeks’ time would leave town for his appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Although that represented a tremendous opportunity for him, she was concerned about how she would do without him being around. At least Patty would still be in town for one more year to help Jessica with the transition into high school.
    As the two of them made their way downstairs, their father Robert was waiting for them. He smiled and said how proud he was of both of them for how mentally strong they had become. Although there had been times in the past when he had let them both down, today he was completely sober and focused on the upcoming graduation and ensuing celebration.
    Robert informed the two of them to let Elizabeth Wright know he would be along to pick her up in a few minutes, as she had agreed to sit with him during the ceremony and then be his date for the party afterwards. Although no romance had ever blossomed between the two of them over the years, they had become closer friends as the relationship between Ross and Patty had become romantic.