At the stroke of Midnight, January 1, 2005 I knew that the year of Episode III was going to be special. During the winter I looked up Episode III everyday online, read Insider magazines, and watched the teaser trailer an infinite number of times.

On February 1st, I was delighted to find the 4 Sneak Preview figures at my local Toys R' Us and purchased the Anakin Jedi Starfighter two weeks later.

On March 10th, after I purchased the Episode III release poster, I awaited the trailer premiere that night. One hour before the official premiere, I saw a clip from the trailer on Access Hollywood. After hearing, "Are you threatening me Master Jedi?" I jumped off my chair with excitement. Seeing the full trailer was unbelieveable and I went to the theatres that weekend not only to see "Robots," but to see my trailer again.

April 2nd, was a night I'll never forget. I stood in line for 45 minutes at Toys R Us to purchase as many Episode III figures as possible. When the doors opened at midnight I went on a buying frenzy along with the hundreds of others there that night. Throughout the rest of the month I purchased as many figures and vehicles as possible.

May 19th. What else could I say. I didn't go at midnight, but I went to a 7:30 show that night with my Dad. We both enjoyed the film and by the end, I had tears in my eyes, not from being sad, but because I saw the greatest film of all time and saw the completion of the greatest saga in film history. I saw the movie again in June and in July I saw it again on my 20th birthday.

For the rest of the year, I enjoyed collecting merchandise and seeing the other films. I recently got the Episode III DVD for Christmas and am enjoying all the extra features along with the film.

Even though 2005 is drawing to a close and the saga is complete, Star Wars will be forever. I will continue to watch the films, now from I-VI and continue collecting merchandise. I am looking forward to seeing what George Lucas will have in store for us next, especially the two new TV shows and the re-release of the films in 3D.

As the ball drops for 2006, I will take all the memories of this year and Episode III with me. And for all us fans, when the clock strikes midnight, remember, "The Force Will Be With You, Always!"