More importantly, I had an interesting experience while making my trip over to Denver on Sunday. Sunday, as we all know, was Veterans Day. I got to the airport in plenty of time and was sitting at the gate waiting. I noticed a couple sitting right across from me, they seemed rather somber. A while passed and two Delta representatives came over to the couple. They asked them if they were "ready". The husband told the wife to "Go ahead." She left with the two men. I thought it strange and wondered to myself if she was maybe an airline inspector or something.... after all, when do two Delta folks come and ask you if you are ready to get on their plane? They called my zone and I boarded at the same time that the husband did. He sat toward the front of the plane and I made my way to my seat a little further back. A short time later, the wife came down the aisle and sat next to him. I noticed that she was crying. The flight went along normally and we landed in Denver 58 minutes later. We were taxiing in, when I looked out my window. Tears welled up in my eyes as I saw the honor guard waiting. It then dawned on me where the wife had gone with the two Delta reps. She had gone to check on her son. Several point Airmen were strategically located on the taxi way. The hearse was parked. The waiting Airmen saluted the incoming plane bearing the body of the young soldier. The plane stopped and I looked up and saw the couple deplane. They were escorted to the side of the plane where they waited. I got off the plane, and went inside the terminal to the window and watched as they brought the young man's flag draped coffin out of the plane. I cried as I thought how tragic an end to a young man's life. There was mom and dad, heads hung. The honor guard stood by as the pallbearers retrieved the young man and put him in the back of the hearse. Dad fell to his knees. Just then two F16s flew overhead, one peeling away. The loaded hearse pulled away from the taxi strip, with Mom and Dad watching on, sobbing. I looked down at my watch, 11:11 a.m. It was the 11th minute of the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. I turned to leave, and behind me the terminal was silent. People were crying, holding each other. I am sure each one was moved in their own way, but I felt incredible sorrow for the parents' loss, and for the loss all that young Airman's family must feel. The phrase, "All gave some. Some gave all," really hit me square between the eyes yesterday at 11:11 a.m.
The heroes of our country
Are the ones who paved the way
For freedom and the many rights
That we enjoy today.
Next time, young folks, you pass someone
Who may be old and gray
Remember — thanks to him or her
You have your freedom today.
-Holly Rulli
2 comments:
This brought tears to my eyes.
Very poignant. It's very sad. You painted a very moving picture for us all. I'm glad you signed my guestbook. I'm glad to have found you here.
ginger
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