Roger Cox retweetledi
The lead flight attendant quietly informed the captain: "We have an H.R. on board." (H.R. stands for human remains). When asked if it was a soldier, she confirmed it was, and that an escort was present and in place...(exact flight not known, its the story that matters)
Shortly thereafter, the escort was invited into the cockpit.
A young Army Sergeant entered, perfectly uniformed, and introduced himself.
Escorts always speak as if their soldier were still with them.
The sergeant explained, "My soldier is on his way home to Virginia."
The captain thanked him, pointed out the particular gravity of his service, and shook his hand.
Later during the flight, the lead flight attendant called again, this time in a heavy voice.
"Captain, the soldier's family is also on board - his mother, father, wife, and young daughter.
They are sad they didn't get to see him before takeoff. The father asked if they could be there when he was taken off the plane."
The dispatcher was contacted immediately.
Hours passed before confirmation finally arrived:
A special escort team would meet the plane. The family would be allowed to enter the tarmac and accompany their son unhindered.
They would also be allowed to be present when he was loaded onto the next flight home.
Upon landing, the tarmac controller announced: "All traffic is being held for you."
This made it clear that the family had to disembark first.
Before parking at the gate, the captain addressed the passengers:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a passenger on board who deserves our highest honor. Private [Name], who gave his life in service to our country, is in the cargo hold.
His companion, Sergeant [Name], and his family are also on board - his father, mother, wife, and daughter.
We ask that you remain seated so they can disembark first. Thank you."
When the plane came to a stop, the entire cabin fell silent.
Not a single passenger moved. The family gathered their luggage and left the aisle.
At first hesitantly, then increasingly loudly, the cabin began to applaud.
Soon, everyone was applauding. Words of sympathy, gratitude, and blessings accompanied the families on their journey to their fallen hero.
This moment remained deeply etched in the memory of all involved – a powerful reminder that freedom cannot be taken for granted and that behind every uniform stands a family that also makes sacrifices.
This Memorial Day let’s all remember all those and their families who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s important to remember also that casualties from their service have come in a variety of ways. Many through combat. But also many through internal battles that also come from combat. They too are casualties that we need to remember. Let’s remember them all this weekend and every day.
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