The Dreaded Visit

Dad dropped his paper and opened the door. A sergeant stood, face hung in military sympathy. Dad knew, called the family. They gathered. The sergeant handed Dad a medal and said, “The President wishes you to know that your son’s death was not in vain.”
 
“No!” Mom hugged Dad and screamed. His sisters ran to the trees, tore down the yellow ribbons placed with prayerful pleas. The oldest cried, “When will you people understand that medals can’t replace beautiful lives.”