In The Name of Duty – A Memorial Day Play Script
29th May 2023
Categorized Under: Playscripts
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IN THE NAME OF DUTY
CHARACTERS:
NARRATOR
SOLDIER
VETERAN
OFFICER
MR. MORRIS
MRS. MORRIS
ED
(Stage is dimly lit. Soft patriotic music plays in the background. As the lights gradually brighten, we see a solemn memorial adorned with wreaths, flags, and photographs of fallen soldiers. The stage is set to evoke a sense of reverence and remembrance)
NARRATOR (voiceover): In the hushed embrace of this sacred space, we gather today to honor the brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice. On this Memorial Day, we come together as a nation, bound by gratitude and a deep sense of respect.
(The spotlight shines on a single figure, dressed in military attire, standing before the memorial)
SOLDIER: I stand here, a symbol of the countless brave men and women who have served and protected this great nation. Each name etched upon this memorial represents a life willingly laid down in defense of freedom, justice, and the pursuit of a better world.
(As the soldier speaks, images of soldiers in action, moments of camaraderie, and families bidding tearful farewells are projected onto a screen behind the memorial)
NARRATOR (voiceover): Today, we weave together the threads of memory, stitching the stories of valor and sacrifice into the fabric of our collective consciousness. We remember the faces of those who marched fearlessly into battle, knowing the risks they faced.
(A soft and solemn melody begins to play as the spotlight shifts to a group of family members, holding framed photographs of their fallen loved ones)
NARRATOR (voiceover): In the hearts of those left behind, the memories of their beloved heroes endure. Their laughter, their warmth, their unwavering dedication to a cause greater than themselves—these are the legacies they have left behind.
(The families slowly make their way to the memorial, gently placing the photographs alongside the others. As they do, the spotlight shifts to a group of veterans, wearing their uniforms adorned with medals)
NARRATOR (voiceover): And here, amidst the silent ranks of veterans, we witness the resilience of those who bore witness to the horrors of war. Their sacrifices extend beyond the battlefield, as they carry the weight of memories that can never be erased.
(The veterans stand tall, their faces etched with determination and pride)
VETERAN: We remember our fallen comrades, for they are forever etched upon our souls. We carry their courage, their spirit, and their love of country within us. Their sacrifices inspire us to live each day with gratitude and purpose.
(As the veteran speaks, a projection of the American flag is displayed, gently waving in the wind)
NARRATOR (voiceover): Today, as we honor the fallen, let us also embrace the responsibility we bear—to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain. Let us work tirelessly to safeguard the freedoms they so selflessly defended.
(The lights gradually dim, leaving only a soft spotlight on the memorial)
NARRATOR (voiceover): As the echoes of their heroism reverberate through time, we pledge to remember, cherish, and uphold the legacy of our fallen heroes. For in their memory, we find strength, unity, and the unwavering spirit of a nation that will forever honor its brave.
(The stage is cast in darkness, except for a single beam of light illuminating the memorial, as the soft patriotic music fades away)
NARRATOR (voiceover): Today, and every day, we salute our fallen heroes. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
SCRIPT:
(Mr. Morris is sitting in the living room, engrossed in reading the newspaper. The doorbell rings, and he sets the newspaper aside, stands up, and opens the door. He finds a U.S. Army officer, Captain Robert Amons, and a priest standing outside)
OFFICER: Good morning, sir. I am Captain Robert Amons from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Are you Mr. Jeff Morris?
MR. MORRIS: Yes, I am. How can I help you, officer?
OFFICER: Are you the father of Sergeant William Morris?
MR. MORRIS: Yes, he is my son. Is there something wrong, officer?
OFFICER: I have an important message to deliver from the Secretary of the Army. May we come in, Mr. Morris?
MR. MORRIS: Yes, please, come inside.
(They enter and sit in the living room)
OFFICER: The Secretary of the Army, John M. McHugh, has asked me to express his deep regret that your son, William, died in the war. He was killed when his truck convoy was ambushed by insurgents. The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in this tragic loss.
(Mr. Morris covers his face with his hands)
MR. MORRIS: Oh, my son William…
PRIEST: Mr. Morris, your son was a hero in the eyes of man and God. Today, he receives the medals for his courage from God’s hands.
MR. MORRIS: (speaking softly) When will you bring him home?
OFFICER: Tomorrow, another officer will provide you with more information.
MR. MORRIS: I see…
OFFICER: Mr. Morris, we must return to Fort Sam Houston now. Once again, on behalf of the Secretary of the Army, please accept the United States Army’s deepest condolences. (Mr. Morris attempts to stand up) Please, don’t stand up. We know the way to the door.
(The officer and the priest stand up and leave. Mr. Morris closes the curtains in the room, then sits down and begins to cry. A few minutes later, the front door opens, and Mrs. Morris enters, carrying a bag of groceries)
MRS. MORRIS: I’m home, Jeff. Please, help me with the bags. (She notices Mr. Morris in the living room, covering his face with his hands) Jeff, what’s wrong? Are you sick? (He does not answer. Mrs. Morris approaches him and places her hand on his shoulder) Did you hear what I said?
MR. MORRIS: Dear, please sit down. I need to talk to you. Something terrible has happened.
(Mrs. Morris leaves the bag of groceries on a table)
MRS. MORRIS: Please, don’t scare me. Tell me that what I’m thinking is not true.
MR. MORRIS: I’m sorry, Ellen, but I can’t. It is true. Some officers just left.
(Mrs. Morris sits on the sofa. They hug and cry)
MRS. MORRIS: Oh, my dear child…
MR. MORRIS: Ellen, we’ve lost our son. He will never come home… never.
(The doorbell rings. Mr. Morris stands and opens the door)
ED: Mr. Morris, I heard the news. I’m so sorry.
(They hug)
MR. MORRIS: Please, come inside. (They go into the living room) Ellen, it’s Ed.
(Mrs. Morris stands up)
MRS. MORRIS: Oh, Ed, Ed!
(They hug)
ED: Mrs. Morris, I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. He was my best friend. He was like a brother to me.
MRS. MORRIS: Sit down, Ed.
(Mr. Morris, Mrs. Morris, and Ed sit)
MR. MORRIS: Ed, please talk to us about him. We need to know…
MRS. MORRIS: Why did he have to join the army and go to war?
ED: Patriotism. He loved this country. He wanted to serve the nation. He told me that many times.
MRS. MORRIS: Yes, it’s true. That was his way of helping others. I remember when he enlisted; he was happier than I had seen him in a long time. I was excited because he was so excited about this. It was something he wanted to do, but still…
ED: He was a great soldier! He once saved my life by dragging me to safety. He exposed himself to save me. I’m here because of him. He is a hero!
(Mr. Morris stands)
MR. MORRIS: Why did he have to go back? I still remember our last conversation. He told me he was a Squad Leader leading nine young men and trying to bring them home alive.
ED: And I was one of them, Mr. Morris.
MRS. MORRIS: When he came home on leave, we camped out in the backyard. That night he slept so peacefully. He felt protected and loved.
MR. MORRIS: I still remember that as a kid, he would sleep outside all the time, right Ellen?
MRS. MORRIS: Oh, yes. He loved the sound of crickets and the brightness of the moon. On his last day here, at home, he was as loving as ever.
MR. MORRIS: But the war changed him. He told me he felt so guilty about what he witnessed in that faraway land. He just wanted to share with me what he did and felt during the war.
MRS. MORRIS: My poor son. Why was he redeployed to that terrible place?
ED: He had a mission. He was at the forefront of the defense of freedom.
MR. MORRIS: I’m so proud of him! He believed in what he did, and I’m thankful for all the happy memories he gave us.
(Ed stands)
ED: Well, Mr. and Mrs. Morris, I’m leaving. I’ll be back later. My mother wants to come and see you.
(Mr. and Mrs. Morris stand)
MRS. MORRIS: Thank you, Ed.
(Ed leaves. Mr. and Mrs. Morris sit and hug each other. Silence. Lights off-Lights on)
MORRIS: Ellen, it’s time. We have to call John and Karen.
MRS. MORRIS: Yes, they need to know. We need to tell them before somebody else does.
(Mr. Morris picks up the phone and dials some numbers)
MR. MORRIS: John, I’m calling you about your brother William. I have bad news…
(Stage is dimly lit. The memorial remains at the center, adorned with wreaths and photographs. Soft music plays in the background)
NARRATOR (voiceover): As we reach the end of our journey together, we carry within us the weight of remembrance and the power of gratitude. The echoes of our fallen heroes resonate through time, guiding us on a path paved with courage, honor, and unwavering resilience.
(The spotlight gradually illuminates the memorial, casting a gentle glow)
NARRATOR (voiceover): In this sacred space, we have borne witness to the stories of sacrifice and heroism, etching them into the collective memory of a grateful nation. We have seen the pain of loss, the strength of unity, and the enduring spirit that arises when ordinary individuals rise to extraordinary heights.
(Images of soldiers in peaceful moments, families embracing, and communities honoring their fallen heroes are projected onto the screen)
NARRATOR (voiceover): Today, as we prepare to leave this hallowed ground, let us carry the essence of this experience within us. Let us keep the flame of remembrance alive, honoring the fallen not only on this Memorial Day but in our hearts and actions every day.
(The spotlight expands, encompassing the entire stage)
NARRATOR (voiceover): May their stories ignite a fire within us, fueling our commitment to upholding the values they fought for. Let us strive for a world where peace reigns, where the sacrifices of our heroes serve as a reminder of the immense power of unity and compassion.
(As the music swells, the spotlight dims, leaving only a soft glow on the memorial)
NARRATOR (voiceover): In the face of adversity, let us draw strength from their courage. In times of uncertainty, let us find solace in their unwavering resolve. And in moments of reflection, let us be guided by their selflessness and love for this great nation.
(The stage is cast in darkness, with the memorial bathed in a gentle glow.)
NARRATOR (voiceover): The curtain may fall on this play, but the spirit of remembrance shall endure. Let us carry their legacy in our hearts, passing it on from generation to generation, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
(The soft music fades away, leaving a moment of silence)
NARRATOR (voiceover): May their souls find eternal peace, and may their memory continue to inspire us all.
THE END
AUTHOR: K I D S I N C O
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