Honoring a hero

On July 9, I was flying home from Indianapolis through a connection from Minneapolis to Spokane. As I boarded the aircraft, I noticed one police officer standing in attention towards the cargo. My heart grew heavy. The pilot shared that the plane was carrying the remains of a fallen soldier back home to Spokane. It was a somber moment to hear this announcement.

I do not know the circumstances of this soldier’s passing or his or her name. After landing in Spokane, the passengers applauded and then remained seated in silence as the Marine who escorted this fallen soldier deplaned. I chose to remain on the plane until the fallen soldier’s casket was removed. The passengers and I were moved to tears as fellow soldiers and family viewed the casket being escorted from the cargo hold. The silence on that plane will forever be etched in my heart. To the family and friends of this soldier, I want to say it was an honor flying home with your soldier. I am forever thankful for his or her sacrifice to this country. I wish you peace and healing in the days ahead. God bless your family and this country.

Leigh Hancock

Spokane