Something I have never seen and wanted to share out of respect

[sailor55330]

I fly a lot in my job. It today I witnessed something I had never seen and hope I never do again. A plane was transporting a fallen soldier home today and it arrived as I was walking through the terminal. All appropriate Personnel were in attendance and colors were displayed along with all emergency personnnel. The plane was ushered in under arching sprays from fire trucks to be greeted by a giant American flag suspended from a ladder truck. The fallen soldier was the first off the plane in a flag covered casket and was escorted from the plane to the hearse. A very simple action that was chilling. During this time probably 200 people paused to watch and pay respect. I have never heard such a quiet airport terminal in all my travels. The whole ceremony lasted maybe 10 minutes but it clearly moved everyone. I am not military but have family who are. I greatly admire those who can make such a commitment as to defend our country. My sincerest thank you to those who do.

[AsLan7]

I fly a lot in my job. It today I witnessed something I had never seen and hope I never do again. A plane was transporting a fallen soldier home today and it arrived as I was walking through the terminal. All appropriate Personnel were in attendance and colors were displayed along with all emergency personnnel. The plane was ushered in under arching sprays from fire trucks to be greeted by a giant American flag suspended from a ladder truck. The fallen soldier was the first off the plane in a flag covered casket and was escorted from the plane to the hearse. A very simple action that was chilling. During this time probably 200 people paused to watch and pay respect. I have never heard such a quiet airport terminal in all my travels. The whole ceremony lasted maybe 10 minutes but it clearly moved everyone. I am not military but have family who are. I greatly admire those who can make such a commitment as to defend our country. My sincerest thank you to those who do.

Very powerful and moving stuff Sailor. Thank you for sharing.

[hoghead54]

I fly a lot in my job. It today I witnessed something I had never seen and hope I never do again. A plane was transporting a fallen soldier home today and it arrived as I was walking through the terminal. All appropriate Personnel were in attendance and colors were displayed along with all emergency personnnel. The plane was ushered in under arching sprays from fire trucks to be greeted by a giant American flag suspended from a ladder truck. The fallen soldier was the first off the plane in a flag covered casket and was escorted from the plane to the hearse. A very simple action that was chilling. During this time probably 200 people paused to watch and pay respect. I have never heard such a quiet airport terminal in all my travels. The whole ceremony lasted maybe 10 minutes but it clearly moved everyone. I am not military but have family who are. I greatly admire those who can make such a commitment as to defend our country. My sincerest thank you to those who do.

Very powerful and moving stuff Sailor. Thank you for sharing.

+1

[BIGGUSBLOCKUS]

Agreed. Much respect and gratitude for those who defend our freedom and who gave the ultimate sacrifice, including the families of the fallen who continue to give in their loved ones absence.

And for the kneelers...i think you know where I stand.

[Southernboatman]

Agree. Thanks for sharing BG!

[Ytmsn]

Thanks for sharing Sailor. Theres a movie called Taking Cbance with Kevin Bacon that is a true story about a fallen soldier and his honor escort. You should see it if you haven't already, it is well worth it.

Taking Chance https://g.co/kgs/LGF3Q3

A few months ago I was in an airport and heard clapping and cheering coming down the terminal. People started getting up and lining up clapping and calling out. I joined them to see what it was and realized it was a procession of Honor Flight attendees from the Korean war. Most of the WWII guys are either gone or too old to travel now, so they have started doing the Korean vets. Most of these guys were in wheelchairs and had flags and attendants all around. It was sooo moving! Some of these guys were crying from the response they were getting. Of course I was clapping and cheering and crying right along with everyone else.

'Merica!

[liquid]

Nice post. Thank you for sharing.

[Tuscany]

While I visit DC often, what breaks my heart in two is to see WWII Vets becoming emotional at the Memorials. We like to stay at the Hilton at Mark Center. Last time was like a WWII convention of guests staying as well. That parade of wheel chairs hits home for me.

I can’t help but feel for all of our vets at 1pm on Sundays