The Flags of Our Sons

NYT ^ | August 4, 2006 | Billy Shore

[RDTF]

WHEN you fly as often as I do you learn to mind your own business as soon as you take your seat. But that wasn’t possible once I saw the military honor guard boarding US Airways’ 1:45 p.m. flight from Boston to Washington earlier this week.

I was heading through the gate when I first noticed Senator Ted Kennedy, walking down the concourse and arriving fashionably late, not an uncommon sight on this route. I stepped aside and followed him down the ramp.

As we got to the arched entrance of the plane, the members of a Marine honor guard in their dress blues were coming up that outside staircase usually used for stowing strollers and allowing mechanics on board. The marine in charge held in both hands a flag that had been folded into a triangle as if it had been previously draping a coffin, which it had.

Senator Kennedy extended his hand to the marine and said, “Thank you for your service.”

“Thank you, sir,” replied the marine.

“Are you escorting remains?” asked Senator Kennedy.

“Yes, sir, a marine.”

“And the funeral is at Arlington Cemetery?”

“Yes, sir, on Wednesday.”

“Thank you, I’ll try to get out there.”

The marine went back to sit in coach, but a man in the last row of the first-class cabin went over to him, shook hands and offered his seat. The marine reluctantly accepted. Half the passengers broke into applause.

-snip-

Then he went over to two people quietly sitting in first class — the parents of the fallen marine. None of us had known they were there.

[Cagey]

I'd love to read the rest of the story but it requires registration. Any chance you can give us the Reader's Digest version?

[yobid]

http://www.bugmenot.com/

[Tulsa Ramjet]

Home of the free because of the brave.

[Darteaus94025]

"...with no ambition for the day other than to be worthy."

How true.

Semper Fi, my brother.

Semper Fi

[Cagey]

Thank you.

[Excellence]

I linked right to it, I don't know why. Try username: drudgelink, password: nytimes

[Cagey]

Thanks for the information. I'll save them.

[Kaylee Frye]

A good article.

[llevrok]

Hopefully this was not a NYT puff piece on Uncle Teddy and he indeed was respectful of the Marine and family.

They have been known to make up things from time-to-time (ahem)

God Bless our Troops and their Families

[NavySEAL F-16]

The disconnect between those who serve and those of us who are beneficiaries
of their service has always felt great to me, but never greater than at that moment.

This will always be true.

[Lead Moderator]

Posting restrictions apply downthread as well.

[glaseatr]

God I hate t cry in the afternoon. May the parent find comfort and pride in the fact that their brave Marine did not die in vain.

[bnelson44]

It all is here.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/04/opinion/04shore.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[bnelson44]

Thank you for your son's service. Part of the greatest generation.

[CedarDave]

From last night:

Hundreds pay their respects to fallen soldier

[freema]

USMC Ping

[ConorMacNessa]

---

Semper Fi!