A soldier's last trip home

By Gary Miller
LSN

A few weeks ago, I traveled to El Paso, Texas to visit 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.
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 by my seat 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.
The pilot asked everyone to remain seated when we reached the El Paso gate while this soldier was released to his family.
The flight was a silent one the entire way. As the wheels touched down at El Paso International, I saw a black hearse on the tarmac with soldiers in dress uniforms 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 stopped and not a person aboard it moved. If you fly much, you know that this is unusual, since most passengers jump up immediately -- some even before the plane stops -- so they can be first ones off.
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 its 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 teared 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 emotions. 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 who knew freedom is 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 payed so much respect to the fallen soldier, for he was now on American turf.
The detail lifted their comrade in arms and loaded him into the hearse, all the while exuding honor and respect for their fallen comrade. My emotions are indescribable.
My heart was hurting for the family waiting to say their final goodbyes.
A woman was escorted by two family members to the casket where she rubbed and patted it as if to say, "You’re home now, son."
Another woman with a toddler carrying a small 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.
The passengers 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 Patriot Guard Riderson escorting the 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 and sometimes pay the ultimate price for our freedom.
That day was one of reflection for me and everyone on that plane.
So, I ask you, on this Memorial Day weekend, to stop, reflect on those who died in service to this great nation and thank those who survived service and those who serve now. I know I will.

Gary Miller is general manager of the East Region for Louisiana State Newspapers. He is a graduate of Eunice High School.