This year, as the names were being read, Pyotr stood up. His knees were stiff and his back was sore, but he stood as straight as he could. He wanted to show his friends that they were not forgotten.
At first, no one else noticed. But then, a young woman standing next to him saw him and stood up too. Then, her husband stood up. Soon, the entire row of people was standing. The movement spread through the crowd like a wave, until thousands of people were standing in silent tribute to the men and women who had given their lives for their freedom. This year, as the names were being read, Pyotr stood up
As the ceremony ended and the crowd began to disperse, a young boy walked up to Pyotr. He was holding a small bouquet of wildflowers. At first, no one else noticed
Pyotr took the flowers and smiled through his tears. "Yes, they were, son. Yes, they were." Soon, the entire row of people was standing
Pyotr reached into his pocket and pulled out an old, faded photograph. In it, a group of young men in worn-out uniforms smiled at the camera, their arms draped over each other's shoulders. They had been his best friends, and they had gone off to a conflict decades ago to protect their homes and families. Pyotr was the only one who had returned.