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[prostheticbody]

[The Major isn't wearing her usual provocative attire today, but rather the khaki dress uniform of a JSDF officer.]

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, ostensibly a day to honor those who died during military service, though it seems to mostly be an excuse for cookouts. I didn't serve in the American army, but I did fight alongside plenty of American soldiers during World War IV, many of whom didn't survive.

How many others here have been in the military? Whether it's the American armed forces or a military that doesn't even exist here, I'm sure we've all lost comrades. I'm going to visit some of the cemeteries around Maurtia Falls and put flowers on the graves of soldiers who may not have surviving families. Maybe you'd like to join me, or do the same in your city of choice.

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[devoutish]

That's very thoughtful of you, ma'am.

[prostheticbody]

I'm not the sentimental sort, but no soldier should have their sacrifice forgotten.

[devoutish]

Yeah. And what army did you serve in? Where are you from?

[candor1]

[It feels… cold.

The spaces between his spine.

The places where the strength of others had been.

His instincts are to turn just to Jyn and Kay, now, taking the idea she's given with him.

But… that's… not befitting a… fellow… whatever they were.

A question he might be able to research himself… but she's encouraged connection. Fighting isolation. Communing. That was the better option in the face of loss, if the harder one. So he kicks down his normal modes and… goes for…]

This is good to know. Thank you.

Do you know the local customs in the event there isn't a grave.

[Unless you count the razed biosphere of Scarif.]

[prostheticbody]

[The Major's world isn't immune to that particular problem--World War III was a nuclear war, after all. Entire cities wiped off the map to the point where there weren't enough graves to remember every single life lost.]

I don't know if an official custom, but I find that remembering and sharing the good times you had keeps the memory alive if there's nothing physical to hold onto.

[candor1]

Of course.

[He was thinking more… memorialization. Something none of them had expected, hoped for, were driven by. Cassian wasn't even sure he was comfortable with the idea of anyone remembering his own name.

But the others. No report had been filed before or after. They might be able to have deduced the exact team, but more likely… only Cassian, in either world, knew all their names, what they'd chosen, what they'd joined together to become.

He didn't want to be the sole keeper or reminder of them. They hadn't expected more, but they deserved more.]

I wonder if there's… any space they might… be willing to give us. imPorts. A place to commemorate ones we won't see again.

Permavid

[governorkang]

We have a similar holiday in Teyr, where we remember those who have fallen. We call it the Day of Remembrance.

[prostheticbody]

Did you have any particular traditions associated with the day?

Whoops I meant Victory of the Dead there

[governorkang]

There is a gathering of friends and family of those who have died the previous year. Myself and high-ranking officers call out their names to honor their sacrifices. We also put flowers and incense on our soldiers' graves.

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[darkpants_warmfeeling]

I served in the military back home- and I've worked with the American military here, against the Soviets. I know how much days like this mean.

This is a good idea, Major. I'll be there.

[prostheticbody]

I figured I could count on you, Jacob.

I heard that Shepard got ported out. I guess the day has an added meaning here--remembering those that haven't fallen, but have gone home.

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right.

[Jacob sighs.]

I'm still holding out hope for him coming back. But until then- we have to carry on like he isn't. That means remembering him.

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[dejerate]

I was in the military back home. I mean, not anymore, obviously. Apparently I'm too young to join up here. But it's...something to think about. Their sacrifice and what our 'peace' is gained by, even in this world.

[Maybe there's a cemetery in Heropa. He should check.]

[prostheticbody]

Would you want to join up here, even if you could?

[dejerate]

I dunno. It's....different, here. Back home my military was fighting the vampires, not other humans, even if those humans might have powers. So it's not quite the same situation. But on the other hand it's all I really knew back home too. So scooping ice cream and driving that truck around as a job is something else.

[text]

[kestreldawn]

would like to join and extend to de chima if all right with you.

where do i obtain flowers?

[prostheticbody]

That's perfectly fine. Ideally, someone will take part in each of the cities.

I recommend buying silk flowers since they will last longer and don't require maintenance, and you can find them at almost any large store.

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[knaval]

I... did, but I didn't have a choice. It's nice that every race makes an effort to remember their fallen. We have something called the Festival of Lost Light on Cybertron, it's amazing to see. A bunch of light spheres are released in remembrance and there's some other activities that go on.

[riptide decides to neglect the fact he started a fight at the one he went to and got knocked out. he's not very religious, anyway.]

[prostheticbody]

Not everyone has a choice, though there hasn't been a draft since the Vietnam War. We honor them just the same.

That sounds like quite the spectacle. Truth be told, I'm not used to the celebrations. Japan doesn't really have a similar holiday, probably due to its questionable history with warfare.

[acclimatized]

I served in the British army with the Fifth Northumberland Fusilier. I lost a lot of good friends. If it's okay, I'd like to do the same in De Chima.

[prostheticbody]

You're more than welcome.

I've always had a respect for the British armed forces. I trained with the SAS after the war.

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[juniberries]

I did not realize today was a holiday to honour those who have died in service...

[there's a bit of a pause, mainly because she has today off from her job and she's been seeing a Lot of cookouts happening.

but also for another reason as well.]

My father had perished in battle. And back where I'm from, before I was brought here, my companions and I were engaged in perhaps finally ending the war in our galaxy.

[prostheticbody]

My condolences for your father. I'm sure his service helped pave the way for your eventual victory.

[voice]

[hellrisen02]

"Memorial" Day, is it? [There's a thoughtful pause. He thought it rung a bell of sorts, although he was sure the holiday was long past its peak popularity on Earth in his time. A day to remember fallen soldiers...]

[Oh, yeah. Most people didn't live their lives in a constant state of memorium, huh.] That sounds nice. I was wondering why there seemed to be a lot of people offering prayers today. You could say I'm on both sides of this particular occasion. I'll see if I can't see that the same is done in Heropa, at least for the cemeteries under our churches, here.

Forgive me for being a bit outta vogue, but that uniform. What military does it belong to?

[prostheticbody]

Thanks, I'm sure it'll mean a lot to vets in Heropa.

I was an officer in the Japanese Self-Defense Force.