Hero on My Plane

In flying home a couple of weeks ago, I didn't know it, but I was in the company of a hero.

Upon landing, our captain informed us that we had a uniformed officer on our flight who was accompanying the remains of a fallen soldier.  He asked that once we arrive at our gate, we remain in our seats, let that officer off, and allow the casket to be unloaded from the plane.

Knowing how people can be raving idiots, especially when they travel, I wondered how people would react.  Would they look to depart right away?  Would they truly sit there and wait?

Nope.  Sit there quietly is exactly what they did.  The whole damn plane sat there reverently for 15 minutes while the fallen soldier's casket was removed from the plane and driven away.  It was beautiful in its solemness and respect.

I was proud of my fellow travelers.  That's something I don't think I could have ever said before.