A Soldier Returns

I was flying into Memphis returning from a Conference. As the plane landed, the announcement was made that a Soldier who had been killed was returning home on the plane. All of the passengers were asked to wait while Soldiers accompanying the casket got off the plane. An honor guard waited outside the plane, and as we taxied in, a fire engine sprayed water over the plane.

While I obviously can’t put my feelings into words, I felt a true sense of community with the other passengers and the soldiers family as the passengers all waited patiently and quietly, rather than the usual hurry and hubbub after a landing. The atmosphere remained even after we went into the terminal and got our bags, almost as if everyone was grieving with the family.

I was overwhelmed to think that this same event has been played out almost 3,000 times in the last three years. I see the names, hometowns and ages of the military personnel killed each week and I note the ages, most under 22 years of age. I feel a real sense of sorrow-and anger-at the thought of all these lives cut short.