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flippant, it's just the way I express myself," Ave said. "Morgan has known what it is to scratch for money, for food. His mom died when he was a kid and his dad was in the service, overseas. He lived from hand to mouth, with relatives who hadn't much to offer themselves except a roof over his head. His appointment to the Naval Academy came as a stroke of luckthe local congressman had seen the stories of how his dad died trying to save little kids and waved his wand. You can see why he feels an obligation to his country. It clothed him and fed him and gave him an education when he could have fallen between the cracks." |
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"I can see why he feels that way, but surely he's discharged the obligation," Anna said passionately. "Why on earth would any reasonable human being want to go to Russia and relive all that horror? I suppose he's told you about the great offer to go defuse more warheads." Ave nodded, and she rushed on. "We had a terrible fight about it. I was so angry I said all kinds of awful things to him about being a compulsive hero and never able to learn how to live properly." Her eyes were bright with tears. |
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A burst of laughter from the other end of the table broke the spell. Morgan had wheeled the small television set into the dining room and turned it on. "Here's a treat for you people," he said sardonically. |
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The screen showed the news set of a local TV station. An announcer was speaking into a handheld microphone. " . . . I have something special for you. You all know April Rogers, hostess of 'April Live'?" A studio audience burst into applause. "Today she is here with a very special guest." |
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Rogers walked into view, nodding to acknowledge the applause. She tossed her long blond hair back and smiled brightly. "Today is a very special day, audience. It's Memorial Day." |
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"No kidding," Ave muttered. |
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"After laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, President Cole Caidin will host a Rose Garden ceremony to honor |
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