There was something different about this upcoming day. A day of remembrance and grateful praise for those who paid the ultimate price to defend Equestrian harmony.
In honor of this day, I will maintain my vigil for perfection even more than usual, (which was saying something considering our already VERY high standards). Here, in the great Amphitheater of Canterlot National Cemetery, I will continue my vigil, along with my comrades. We specialists have been guarding this tomb every second of every day and every night, including holidays, since the first unknown, a brother in hooves, was laid to rest by their Majesties themselves. Whether in blazing sun, freezing cold, or pouring rain, we will maintain our watch.
All these thoughts went through the lone Sentinel's mind as he silently, stoically and proudly walked many paces south down a mat, with his specially enchanted spear on his left shoulder. This weapon was customized by the Royal Sisters themselves, being to magically fire a beam of deadly energy at ALL who would dare approach the shrine he was guarding. No matter though. NOTHING would deter him from his mission. A mission him along with a hoof-chosen select few had been selected for. That mission? To keep a constant vigil over the graves of 4 unknown warriors. These warriors had paid the ultimate price and given their lives in service to monarchs and nation, and as such they deserved the UTMOST respect.
Their final resting places were covered by three marble slabs flush with the surroundings, and behind them all, centered tall and strong, was an eight foot white marble obelisk, on the front side facing the amphitheater, inscribed with the words:
HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY
AN EQUESTRIAN SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO FATE
On the backside facing the city center, was a carved picture of two Alicorn stallions. One wearing a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory. The other, holds a cracked spear, symbolizing valor. They are both shaking hoofs, and behind them, an Alicorn mare, symbolizing peace and friendship, holds their outstretched arms together.
Flanking this monument were statues of Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence, all in mournful poses, facing the four tombs to show that even the royals themselves held this hallowed ground in great reverence.
As the Sentinel reached the southernmost portion of the mat, he halted and clicked his back hooves together. He then turned and faced east, clicked his hooves together again and stood silently, staring east toward Equestria's magnificent Capital center. Afterwards he immediately turned north, clicked his hooves, and performed a crisp shoulder arms movement, and held the spear in the hoof closest to any potential observers, to signify that he stood between the tombs and ANY and ALL threats. After standing silently for a good while, he slowly marched north on the mat, never once losing his rhythm and precision.
This process continued flawlessly until midday. By that time, in a precise ceremony of saluting the tombs, a spear inspection and precision marching, a new Sentinel had taken his place, and yet he too had the same level of dedication and determination as the previous Sentry. But today, as all Sentinels knew, was a special day of remembrance.
All was quiet at midday as distinguished members of the Protective Pony Platoon, the Lunar Night Guard, and the Crystal Guards stood side by side flanking the sides of the tombs. Not only that, civilians stood silently and somberly in the crowded amphitheater, a true display of a nation united in remembrance. Most distinguished of all were the four Alicorn princesses, all standing front and center in front of the tombs. Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadence and recently coronated Twilight Sparkle were here to perform the time honored tradition of laying a wreath at this monument of glory.
Celestia's was a laurel wreath of concentrated sunlight, the brightness of which could blind anypony.
Luna's a wreath of cosmic ether whose bright, small sparkling stars threaded within would awe anypony.
Cadence's a crystal wreath, magically created from a special type of enchanted crystal from her empire, the sparkle of which would make a whole army of dragons envious.
Finally, Twilight's was a wreath of pure magical energy, perfected by a spell she herself had invented, specifically for this ceremony.
One by one, they each placed their wreaths on each of the tombs. No wreath had higher value than another, as each tomb deserved equal respect. Suddenly, the wreaths glowed, and then floated upward towards the center point of the tombs, and then combined into one glowing essence, which shot four small beams into each slab, as a symbol of the monarchs blessing.
Despite having performed this ceremony many, many times, the royal ponies couldn't help but shed a few tears every time they did it. Here they were, standing in front of four ponies whose names have been lost to history, and yet they gave their all in service to monarch and nation.
The same could be said by the other onlookers, who stood with their heads bowed and their hooves folded, some too have felt the sting and pain of loss.
Finally, after a brief speech by each princess, showing their sorrow and pride over the four entombed warriors, the Wonderbolts did an astounding flyover with Rainbow Dash leading, trailing the colors of each section of the P.P.P., Lunar Guard, and Crystal Guard.
The onlookers and dignitaries then quietly and slowly began to file away, and soon, once again, only the lone sentry remained, his precision just as sharp and astute as ever. Another day, another night, another routine, and yet, this guard will never once falter in his sworn duty, just as his fallen comrades did not falter, and their sacrifice will always be remembered and honored.
Sure, there would be those who disrespect these fallen heroes, such as those who are disruptive, those who approach the tomb without authorization, and those who do not understand the sacrifices made. These people are hopefully few though. The sentry was unfazed though.
His final thought was: My eyes will always remain open, focused and this soldier will forever rest under our eternal vigilance!!
Author's Note
A short one shot of remembrance to ALL those who paid the ULTIMATE price when answering their country's call. I have GREAT respect for those who serve and have served, but I could never be one of these brave warriors. NEVER FORGET and thank those who have risked. and ARE risking their lives for your safety and freedom.
All gave some, some gave ALL.
The Sentinel's Creed at Arlington Cemetery remains the standard.
My dedication to this sacred duty
is total and whole-hearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me
never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance
my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise
and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence
to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect,
his bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,
alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
this soldier will in honored glory rest
under my eternal vigilance.
- Simon 1971
