Memorial Day: Thank a Veteran

By Gary Miller
A few weeks ago, I traveled to El Paso to visit old friends I had not seen in three years. My day of travel was filled with anticipation and running through the airport as fast as I could to catch my connection in Dallas. My travel plans that day were to fly out of Baton Rouge to Dallas and then catch a connection to El Paso. All went well with my travel plans…what I didn’t plan for was having such an emotional trip.
As our plane pulled away from the gate in Dallas, I noticed out of the window that all the ground staff at the airport were standing very still and some were saluting our plane. My mind raced. I remember thinking to myself: Something is going to be different about this flight.
As we reached our cruising altitude, the pilot came over the intercom announcing we had the honor of escorting a fallen soldier home to his family in El Paso. He asked everyone on the plane to remain seated when we reached the gate in Texas while this soldier was released to his family.
The flight was a silent one the entire way. As the wheels of the plane touched down at El Paso International Airport, I saw a black hearse on the tarmac with soldiers in their dress blues standing at attention. As we pulled up to the gate, the soldiers raised their hands ever so slowly and in unison, saluted the soldier we were bringing home.
The plane came to a complete stop and not a soul on the plane moved. If you fly much, then you know that this is unusual since most passengers jump up immediately — some even before the plane comes to a stop—so they can be first ones off the plane!
A ramp was pulled out of the aircraft’s belly on my side of the plane and just a few feet beyond my window.
Slowly, an American flag-draped casket appeared and began to roll toward the soldiers awaiting their comrade’s arrival. The red, white and blue of the flag was brighter than I had ever seen them against the grays and browns of the El Paso desert.
My eyes filled with tears for both the soldier and his family, waiting sadly just yards from the plane. As I turned to look at my traveling companion, I noticed that every single person on the plane was watching … everyone sharing the same heartfelt emotions. Honestly, I don’t think there was a dry eye on our plane!
It made me proud to be there at that moment with so many people that knew freedom was not free and knew that this soldier and his family had paid the ultimate price for all Americans.
The soldiers lifted the casket off the ramp and began to sidestep in unison. It was slow and deliberate and the movement paid so much respect to the fallen soldier, for he was now on American turf.
The soldiers lifted their brother in arms and loaded him into the hearse, all the while exuding honor and respect for their fallen comrade. The emotions I felt were indescribable.
My heart was hurting for the family who was waiting to say their final goodbyes.
A woman was escorted by two family members to the casket where she rubbed and patted the casket as if to say, ‘You’re home now, son.’
Another woman with a toddler, who was carrying a flag, also approached and stood for a moment in quiet reflection and sadness before the door was closed and the black car of death slowly pulled away and drove out of sight of our plane.
The passengers on the plane rose and solemnly exited the plane. We made it to the car rental agency and upon leaving the parking lot area, we were slowed by the Patriot Guard Riderson motorcycles who were escorting the young soldier to his final resting place.
The great men and women who serve this great nation should be thanked and remembered every minute of the day! They put themselves in harm’s way while paying the ultimate price for our freedom: the Americans who live in this spectacular country.
That day was one of reflection for me and everyone on that plane.
So, I ask you, on this Memorial Day, to stop, reflect and thank a veteran! I know I will.
Gary Miller is general manager of the East Region for Louisiana State Newspapers.