At 12:30AM EST, I will be standing at attention on the flightline next to several family members for the Dignified Transfer of their fallen heroes. There are two this morning, a son and a daughter.
I witnessed my first Dignified Transfer yesterday and I can tell you that it is the most humbling experience thus far in this life. My heart ached for the families I was there to support. I had to catch and hold one woman as her legs just could not hold her any longer. I believe she was the wife of a Marine. The chaplains and others with me swiftly provided a chair for her to sit in. After she was safely seated I returned to the position of attention and followed the order - "present arms" which is simply a military salute we render each time a fallen service member is carried from the aircraft to the waiting transport vehicle.
A mother, who I sat next to on the return trip to the Center For The Families of the Fallen, looked at me with sorrowful eyes. I reassured her that her son would be cared for with utmost dignity, honor and respect. She graciously thanked me and told me that she really appreciated my words. Today, I made sure that my words counted for something, so I took time to check on him in the mortuary and witness his processing for his final trip home. Without uttering a word, I silenty thanked him for his service and asked God to bless him and his family.
I plan to personally make this effort, for the glory of God, as often as I'm able. In the grand scheme of all that takes place here, I believe it is my calling and makes a difference in how I serve those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and their families who mourn.
The 4th of July will have a whole new meaning for me, I'm sure, after what I will witness tonight.
(3) witnessed Dignified Transfers
No comments:
Post a Comment