Saturday, December 10, 2005

 

Respecting the Troops

From cannon fodder to freight

Dead heroes are supposed to come home with their coffins draped with the American flag -- greeted by a color guard. But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo. [...] John Holley and his wife, Stacey, were stunned when they found out the body of their only child, Matthew, who died in Iraq last month, would be arriving at Lindbergh Field as freight. "When someone dies in combat, they need to give them due respect they deserve for (the) sacrifice they made," said John Holley. John and Stacey Holley, who were both in the Army, made some calls, and with the help of U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, Matthew was greeted with honor and respect.

Comments:
Just appalling, MEC.

And I suppose that Matthew Holley was relatively fortunate in death, to have a family who cared and had some pull. How many more arrive home as offal, rather than as young men and women who gave their all for their country?
 
John Holley made the point in the article that, from his experience in the military, he knew what the procedure should be, so he could demand it. How many families are sickened and grieved by the offhand offloading, but don't know how to protest?

I also noted that the Holleys have a senator who would fight for their rights.
 
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