The black coffin was slowly lowered into the grave. Then Luo Yan and the other pallbearers took three steps back and bowed to it three times.
After they stepped away, the hero's family, former comrades, representatives of the Strategic Affairs Department, and others came forward in turn to present wreaths, flower baskets, and other offerings.
The atmosphere was filled with grief, and sobs rose one after another.
A moment later, Bai Shaotang, dressed all in white, said solemnly,
"The green mountains bow their heads, and the heavens weep."
"Today, with hearts filled with immeasurable grief and reverence, we solemnly hold the funerals of all the heroes who took part in the Polar Campaign and unfortunately lost their lives. We bid farewell to these heroes who gave their lives bravely for all the people under heaven and for the continuation of Humanity's Fire Seed..."
As Bai Shaotang delivered the eulogy, Luo Yan gently held Xiao Bai's hand.
Compared with those warriors who would sleep forever, they were extraordinarily fortunate to have survived that earth-shaking battle.
The two exchanged a glance, then lowered their heads and silently mourned Zhao Chu and the others, remembering their faces and voices.
"The people of this world will remember your contributions forever!"
Bai Shaotang ended the eulogy with those words.
Next, the heroes' families placed the items the deceased had loved in life, along with letters and other mementos, into the graves one by one.
Once everything had been arranged, the family members reluctantly cast the first handfuls of soil onto the black coffins.
Dressed in black, Zhao Ruifeng gently stroked a boy's head and said, "Guoan, go on. Give your father a final send-off."
The boy named Zhao Guoan only half understood. He looked up at Zhao Ruifeng and asked, "Grandpa, where did Dad go?"