Fallen Soldier Being Escorted Home

No picture for this posting.

When I arrived at the gate I noticed many passengers looking out the window. When I looked to see what was so interesting I fearing my flight was delayed - I noticed three lines of police in formation in front of the loading equipment down on the tarmac by the plane.

Eventually a van towing a coffin draped in the Canadian flag pulled up. The escort from the armed forces got out - one dressed in his desert camouflage - and saluted the coffin as it was loaded.

I have never witnessed this before - except for the 10 second glimpse you might see on the news. Its so slow and still. It was dead silent inside the terminal. It was very moving.

The escorts are here on this flight sitting a few rows ahead of me. I wonder what awaits in Edmonton. I wonder who is waiting on the other end. Someone terribly heartbroken I am sure.