Thanks to the Soldiers

It was an overcast day at the airport. I was on my way home from a business trip and the airliner I was flying on was pulling up to the gate. During the flight, I’d noticed the two Army officers on board the flight with us who were traveling in uniform, but hadn’t thought any thing of it. Then one of the stewardesses announced over the PA that there was another individual on this flight who was making a trip home too. She went on to say that the two Army officers were accompanying the young man and would we, the rest of the passengers, please let these two get off the plane first. For a moment there was an awkward silence. Then not knowing what else to do to let them know how we felt, we applauded them for their service to our country.

It was at that point that I turned to the window I was sitting at and saw the family. They were standing together huddled under umbrellas on the tarmac off to the side of the airplane. An honor guard formed at the airplane cargo door. Mom and Dad stepped forward and stood apart from the rest, directly inline with the open cargo door. Dad stood erect. Face set like stone as he watched the cargo ramp. Mom stood by his side, erect and grieving quietly. One hand holding a handkerchief to dab away her tears. The other holding Dad’s hand. She too, watched as her son came off the airplane.

A hearse pulled up off to their left and waited.

Slowly a flag draped coffin came down the loading ramp. The honor guard, from all branches of the military, and even one of the aircrew of the airliner we were on, snapped to attention and saluted. The pall bearers picked up the coffin bearing the returning fallen son. Taps were played as he was carried reverently first to the parents and then to the hearse. The heavens wept as it began to rain gently. The flag was taken from the coffin, then folded and presented to Mom and Dad with these words. “This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

I still weep as I think about it. So on this special day as we honor those who protect us with their all, I offer my sincere and humble "thank you" to them and to their families who also pay a price for our freedoms. For behind every soldier, there is a human story, a family.

Thank you.