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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: John Crocker on September 16, 2009, 06:19:17 PM

Title: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: John Crocker on September 16, 2009, 06:19:17 PM: Today I saw the most awesome display of respect I have ever witnessed. I arrived at JFK airport around 12:00 and noticed a crowd gathering so I thought I would see whats up. Upon closer inspection, I noticed police and firetrucks around a plane coming into the terminal with lights flashing. I wondered aloud what was up and was told by a gate agent that a soldier was being brought home.

Then I noticed the 6 Air Force Officers in dress blues waiting at attention along with 20-30 Police Officers and Firefighters all at attention. The plane pulled up to the jetway and waited as the casket was unloaded, no passengers were allowed off the plane until the ceremony was completed.

As the casket came off the plane, covered in a flag and plastic (it was raining), the entire staff on the airport tarmac stopped, removed their head gear, and stood at attention as the 6 man detail approached the casket and delivered it with reverence to the waiting hearse.

I stood there thinking about the incredible sacrifice this soldier made for the country and could not stop my eyes from welling up with tears as I watched along with other travelers. I don't know the soldiers name, but I raised prayers up for them and their family with hopes that our soldiers will be home safe soon.

To all Soldiers and their families, stateside and abroad:

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands.

I took a couple of pictures with my phone to share, I hope I do not offend anyone, I felt it was important. I have a need to share this powerful moment, I apologize they are not better. This is the most emotionally haunting event I have ever experienced and I'm honored for the sacrifice this soldier made for my freedom. Thank you for your service Airman, may you rest in peace.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g3/Adduckted/respect2.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g3/Adduckted/respect.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g3/Adduckted/casketdetail.jpg)
Title: Re: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: James Mills on September 16, 2009, 07:43:45 PM: Awesome post, no reason anyone should be offended, just humbled.

God Bless all our troops.

James
Title: Re: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: minnesotamodeler on September 16, 2009, 08:09:24 PM: Thank you, John.
Title: Re: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: Bootlegger on September 17, 2009, 05:05:36 AM: To all our Military, past, present and future, THANK'S FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!! God be with all of them...
Title: Re: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: john e. holliday on September 17, 2009, 08:39:36 AM: Thanks for the photos of a fallen hero. We know he is in a much better place. This is the thing the media should be covering instead of some dope head carrying protest banners. I can't wait for the day when all our heroes are brought home safe and sound. DOC Holliday
Title: Re: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: Larry Cunningham on September 17, 2009, 11:27:45 AM: Very nice. Thanks for this posting.

God bless all our military.

L.

"Honor's a good brooch to wear in a man's hat at all times." -Ben Jonson
Title: Re: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: Scott Hartford on September 17, 2009, 12:05:50 PM: Good post! Military personnel are heroes in my book and deserve our respect!
Title: Re: Respect for a fallen US Airman's last flight
Post by: Terrence Durrill on September 17, 2009, 12:19:58 PM: These men and women are truly the finest among us. May this service member rest in peace. We can never repay these people for their faithful service to us and to our country..........TDurrill