Waiting for my fight today, I was staring out of the window of the airport terminal watching the planes take off and land.

Right in front of me was a United Airlines 737, and there was an Army honor guard standing at attention and saluting as a military coffin was being unloaded.

All of the baggage handlers, drivers, and grounds people had stopped working and were standing still in respect of the deceased soldier.

There were also several police officers waiting to the side, saluting.

I could plainly see the deceased soldier's parents holding each other, crying, and a woman next to them who was either his wife, girlfreind, or maybe even sister.

The United Airlines employees with me in the lounge told me this is the first time they had ever seen a casket being unloaded from an airplane.

Being a Saturday, there were just myself and another man in the Red Carpet Club here at the airport, and we watched the event unfold along with two United Airlines employees.

I have to tell you it was a profoundly sad and moving experience.

All four of us teared up.

I am at a loss for words, but it sure brings the war home.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".