CNN Reporter witnesses solemn 'ramp ceremony'

I think we can all agree we'd rather there weren't any more of these. Good piece of on-the-spot reporting.

Monday August 13, 2007
A Fallen Soldier Comes Home


At 10:45 AM we watched the charted Lear Jet land. As it taxied in, a county vehicle went out to meet it and escort it in. The Airport Fire Trucks were waiting on either side of the entrance to the ramp and when the Lear Jet approached the water cannons formed an arch. As the Jet continued the Fire Trucks fell in behind and stopping short of the area of the ramp where the Lear Jet parked, the firemen dismounted their trucks and fell in as solemn witness of the homecoming of a fallen soldier.
The linemen marshaled the plane into position, the hearse moved into position and the Military Honor Guard approached the plane. The family stood in silence waiting. The large doors of the Jet opened and the pilot and co-pilot began the task of assembling the rails and ramp to bring out the silver colored, flag draped coffin. It was one of those slow motion salutes as the Honor Guard prepared to accept home the fallen soldier.

It was a bright, clear beautiful morning and for this brief time it was silent. I do not know the name of this soldier, nor do I know this family, however this event which I witnessed this morning has had a profound effect on me.
This is the first "Fallen Soldier" flight that we have had come into our airport.
The family wanted it as it was. Just the family and the Honor Guard. The staff all watched from inside, so as not to intrude upon the family. I knew that this flight was going to come in, the Military liaison was in last week to make the arrangements, I did not know until this morning that today was the day.
For a short span of time, everything else was put aside, this was the most important thing that we did today.

thanks. :kick: & R