Honor

FOR THE END OF MAY; the Original Delta Honor Guard:

The plane-side ceremony was completed, and the body of a fallen Marine was secured in a special cart en route through Atlanta to its final destination. The escort asked permission to meet each member of the honor guard. “They would appreciate that, sir,” I replied.

Toward the nose of the aircraft, with flags still in hand, the guard members stood at attention. As we approached them, the escort turned to me and softly said, “You’ve all done a good thing here tonight. You make me proud. OooRah!”

He was escorting his life-long friend home. They met in first grade, remained friends for life, and decided to join the Marines together. One night, there was an ambush and a fierce firefight. His buddy was killed instantly.

I watched this Marine, standing straight as a board, shake the hands of each guard member and thank each one. Suddenly,

he paused after greeting the person holding the American flag. Silently and meticulously, he inspected every inch of it. He glanced at all of us surrounding him, “Looks like the colors are a little worn. You could use a new one. We’ll see what we can do about that.” "Thank you, Captain," I nodded.

I would expect nothing less of a Marine. I didn’t expect to see the tears streaming down his face and onto his uniform. It was a good reminder that we are all human. We are here to serve each other. To become what our Creator meant for us to be.

Though not all of the guard members were veterans, he stood among some brothers who had at least once tasted combat. They held the titles of Staff Sergeant, ABF1, Lt. Commander, Private, Lance Corporal, and Seal.

I could hardly breathe with the huge lump in my throat.

All services of the Honor Guard were a little different. But some things were all the same:

These were Real people Who demonstrated Real courage Endured Real pain

Experienced Real death. They made a real sacrifice for our country. To this day, they all deserve to be cherished in our memory.

The Guard services aren't about the people who honor the ones who gave all. Nor Delta, although I am proud to work with such a company of professionals and grateful to the management and board for accepting our plan. The honor guard was and is about

THOSE WHO GAVE ALL, And the families who must live on in this life without ever seeing them again.

We can neither take away the pain nor bring back the fallen. But we can resolve to make certain that, on our watch, their sacrifices are not in vain but that their last full measure of devotion helped keep liberty alive and well and that their sacrifice is remembered and respected.

These events happened in 2005 on the Atlanta ramp. I remain humbled and changed forever. I will never forget any of the many ceremonies. The mission of the original Delta Honor Guard is inscribed on the back of the challenge coin we gave to each escort and family (first photo). On this Memorial Day we invite you to join us as "escorts of the heart" and remember those who gave all.

©️Copyright 2019, revised and updated May 2024, Gary Landerfelt, My Pericope.com

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