Chapter 66: Chapter 64: Discharge

Philadelphia, the United States of America

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April 25th, 1777

"Attention!" General Kim yelled as inspected his soldiers one last time, "I'm sure all of you are excited that the war is over and you can finally go home. But before we depart, I have a few words to say."

The seven thousand men that had served under General Kim's command lined up in front of him uniformly. Many of them had served under the Asian officer's command since Bunker Hill and all of them looked at their commanding officer attentively as he spoke. While a few units were missing due to their deployment elsewhere (the Second Marine Regiment was still in Kentucky, while a few members of the First Marine Regiment were still on Bermuda), most of the units that served under General Kim's command till the end of the war were with him in front of the Pennsylvania State House. It was a symbolic sight, as the State House was where independence was declared and where the war "officially" began. A crowd of civilian spectators watched from the side, as they also listened in on the general's speech.

"You have fought hard and well for this day, and every one of you played a critical part in helping America be set free! And now, we are closer than ever to ensure that this nation, a nation we have earned, is truly a place where there are liberty and justice for all!"

Explosive cheers broke out amongst the soldiers and some of the civilians as they celebrated. From the news that Congress and the public had received, the peace negotiations with Britain were drawing to a close. Which meant that the war was finally over after all the waiting.

"While the war with Britain is over, we must remember that we are now fighting a new war; a war to prove that our United States can survive, and survive as an untested republic! We have earned our freedom and independence, so let us not squander our chance and ensure that our nation stands as a beacon of hope and liberty for all. Because when the Constitution is officially ratified, and I have no doubts it will be, it will mean that all of you here will have a voice in our nation's future. Which means you will all be on the frontlines for our American republic!"

"Let us remember those that had fallen and never forget the heroic sacrifices they made in order for this day to come forth. And do not let their sacrifices be in vain. Now that all of you have a chance to make a difference in our nation, take that chance and seize it firmly. If you can participate and protect our republic as good as you defeated the British, then I am confident in our nation's future."

Five states had ratified the Constitution so far: Delaware, Pennsylvania (by a vote of 37-30), New Jersey (30-7), Connecticut (117-51), and South Carolina (129-21). Massachusetts was set to vote on the ratification within two weeks while Rhode Island was stuck in a 32-32 deadlock (despite the arguments made by the Congressional delegates from Rhode Island). Even so, progress was steady and if things went right, then the Constitution would be officially ratified within a year or so (which needed ten states to agree). Congress did agree to officially organize elections in 1779 even if the Constitution was ratified earlier so that the first president and Congress would be inaugurated in 1780. Additionally, they needed to take a somewhat reliable census before appropriating districts and such.

"As for the Marines, I have a special final word for all of you," General Kim looked at the men dressed in black coats and white pants, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Even if you are discharged and no longer serve with the Marines, you will always be considered a Marine. That also means if a fellow Marine is in need, you are to help them in any way you can. I am not demanding this from any of you, but remember that the men standing next to you fought with you and bled with you. Do not forget the experiences you shared together. You are all brother in arms."

"If any of you are in need of assistance, or want to see your lovely commanding officer again," His statement earned snickers from some of the soldiers in line, "Then my residence will be in New York City, in lower Manhattan. It'll be easy to ask around and discover where I live, because well... I am the only Asian man in America."

He had purchased a large home in Lower Manhattan, as he had planned before. He knew that the city would grow to become an important economic and political center of the United States and wanted to ensure that he had a part in that growth. Already, he had purchased several plots of land around Long Island and Staten Island and had plans to build an ironworks there. He also planned to set up a printing shop (the New York Times) and possibly an arsenal as well. All in all, he was going to be busy for the next several months, if not years. But for the time being, he was going to celebrate the end of the war with the rest of his men.

That statement earned more laughs and snickers from the usually disciplined men, but General Kim understood that they were finally relaxed and happy due to the end of the war. He gave them one final salute, took off his cap, and placed his right hand over his heart, "Now let us recite the pledge, one last time before I hand all of you your discharge papers."

All the soldiers followed, and many of the civilians did as well.

"I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation, by the People, with liberty and justice for all."

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