Today...

[Fubijaakr]

...I had the honor of flying the remains of a young Marine who gave his life in defense of our nation.

The flight was uneventful until the moment we arrived at our destination. As we approached the gate, we saw the white hearse, the vans and Port Police vehicles awaiting our arrival.

As the Marine Honor Guard lined up along side the belt loader to bear this young man to his final resting place, what struck me was the reaction inside the terminal. Silence fell as the travelers, vacationers, rampers and anyone within view was drawn to the windows to watch as the casket was transferred to the waiting hearse.

Now, I've airlifted military casualties before. I have to admit that this was the most moving experience I've had in a long, long time. Enroute I had a long time to consider the incredible sacrifices our young servicemen, women and their families give America every day of their lives. I just hope EVERYONE who witnessed the event considered what those sacrifices can mean.

Regardless of your political persuasion, we owe these brave young people a huge debt of gratitude. They're in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Alaska, Iceland, Diego Garcia and a hundred other places making sure we can go about our daily lives without considering the dark side of life.

The young Marine I brought home today faced the dark side and paid the ultimate price. I just thank God that America can still produce young people with this kind of steel in their souls.

Thank you, my young friend, for your service. You will always be a hero to me and you will be sorely missed.

 

[tico]

Thanks Fubii....makes the antics of america west and us airways or the drone of continental and united or the arrogant pettiness of delta and north west orient or the childish antics of airtran and southwest or the dripping sleaze of the alaska air group seem, well....just that...meaningless......I think it was the early fifties when they changed their approach. They knew that they would never take us from outside our borders so they gutted us from within.....Semper Fi to that young marine....too bad there are few left who know what that means.......

 

[regionalcap]

I have witnessed this once on a flight..very moving..thanks for the post.

 

[gutshotdraw]

I have been on hand three times for the arrival of a fallen hero and the honor guard that greets them. Three of the most humbling experiences of my life.

Always remember: Some Gave All

 

[727C47]

semper fi,vaya con Dio,they are the best of us.

 

[zonejumper]

Amen, Fubi....great post.
RIP and Godspeed to that very brave Marine and his family and friends. I hope they realize how much we respect him and others like him. He paid the ultimate price for us to remain safe and free.

(Side note: I hope NO ONE turns this thread into a political one. To do so would be highly disrespectful. Thank you.)

 

[PBRstreetgang]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1019454/

 

[onewithwings]

(Side note: I hope NO ONE turns this thread into a political one. To do so would be highly disrespectful. Thank you.)

Agreed. Let this thread be a tribute to the fallen.

 

[Nado]

The land of the free, because of the brave.

 

[labbats]

Well said.