GUEST: SFC King Diego Gaviola, US Army Recruiting Command

For more information about Army recruiting: https://www.goarmy.com/

At the World Exhibition of Tomorrow, Steve Rogers spots an Army Recruiting Center amid the fair’s bustle and quietly slips away from Bucky Barnes and their dates. Bucky, turning to the group, calls out, “Hey, Steve, what do you say we treat these girls…” His voice trails off as he realizes Steve is gone.

In front of a mural depicting soldiers, a mirror replaces one soldier’s face. A taller civilian checks his reflection, adjusting his hat. A woman tugs his arm, saying, “Come on, soldier,” and pulls him away. Steve steps up, gazing at the mirror, but his slight frame leaves his face out of view, too short to fill the soldier’s place.

Bucky catches up, exasperated. “Come on. You’re kind of missing the point of a double date. We’re taking the girls dancing.”

“You go ahead,” Steve says, his eyes fixed on the recruiting center. “I’ll catch up with you.”

“You’re really going to do this again?” Bucky asks, his tone sharp.

“Well, it’s a fair. I’m gonna try my luck,” Steve replies.

“As who, Steve from Ohio?” Bucky scoffs. “They’ll catch you. Or worse, they’ll actually take you.”

“Look, I know you don’t think I can do this,” Steve says, his voice steady.

“This isn’t a back alley, Steve. It’s war,” Bucky counters.

“I know it’s a war,” Steve snaps.

“Why are you so keen to fight? There are so many important jobs,” Bucky presses.

“What do you want me to do? Collect scrap metal in my little red wagon?” Steve retorts.

“Yes. Why not?” Bucky says.

“I’m not gonna sit in a factory, Bucky,” Steve insists, his voice rising. “Bucky, come on. There are men laying down their lives. I got no right to do any less than them. That’s what you don’t understand. This isn’t about me.”