[A.A. Cunningham]

But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo.

Depends on what branch of the military and in which city one is talking about.

Marine Air Control Squadron 23, MACS-23, in Denver sees to it that Marines returning to Colorado for burial are taken care of and rendered all the military honors they are due.

Final Salute

Todd Heisler © News

When 2nd Lt. Jim Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as one of the most powerful in the process: "See the people in the windows? They'll sit right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They're going to remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should."

[countreegurl]

Thank you AA - that's what I'm talking about and that picture warms my heart. What a shame young Matthew did not recieve the same honor for whatever reason. Looks like his parents are pushing for an investigation.

[luvbach1]

If the coffin is draped with an American flag and accorded military honors upon removal from the plane I see no problem.

[kas2591]

Thanks for posting; Reading Final Salute brought tears to my eyes a number of times.

Semper Fi

[rawhide]

Wow, A.A., this is a moving picture. It stirs up within me a great deal of respect for this fallen soldier. I honor and salute him, and for his family, my heart goes out to them. I remember the day Ronald Reagen met with some family members of fallen soldiers and how he was crying. That my friend, is the upmost respect we can give to these who gave their all for their county.