It is one of, if not the, most heart breaking byproducts of war, fallen soldiers. With Bush Sr. banning media coverage of the flag draped caskets coming home from overseas, and Obama ending the 18 year long hiatus,? many of us may be in the dark as to how that process unfolds. The passengers on Delta Flight 2255 from Atlanta to Los Angeles got not only a first hand account of the process, but an experience that will live in their hearts forever.
A seemingly routine flight turned out to be all but at about 45 minutes prior to landing for the passengers of Flight 2255. The uniformed soldiers on board had already set a tone in the cabin of pride and swelled hearts for the men and women who serve. When the captain came over the P.A. and announced that the soldiers on-board were part of an escort crew for a fallen soldier being transported home on the plane, the cabin grew quiet and heavy laden. The captain asked the passengers to allow the soldiers to exit the plane first. He then informed them that they would be privy to a water cannon salute upon landing and do not be alarmed by the waiting fire trucks, as that is the practice in Los Angeles County when a soldier’s body is returned home.
After touchdown the passengers could see the soldiers family standing with the Army’s Honor Guard, a division of each branch of military designed to, among other things, assist in the funeral honors for deceased soldiers. When the jet door opened another military figure boarded the cabin and thanked the passengers for their part in returning the soldier to their family. The cabin remained very still for quite a few moments and the air of tragedy and loss never cleared. Upon exiting the plane a small group had gathered at the window overlooking the tarmac. The passengers had gathered to watch the removal of the soldier’s flag covered coffin from the cargo hold.? A family member, presumably a wife or mother, was seen reaching out to touch the casket.
Regardless of how you feel about war, one thing that unites us all is the adoration and pride for our soldiers and their families. A small few may think this type of ceremony isn’t necessary, I could not disagree more. It is the respect and dignity in which we treat our military that separates us from less civilized nations. I am sure the family of all the fallen, past and present, would agree.
