The Ultimate Sacrifice

We had just fastened our seat belts and were awaiting the departure of our flight when the captain exited the cockpit and stood at the front.

He welcomed passengers on board and thanked us for choosing to fly on this airline. Then something happened that was unusual; he requested our attention.

Immediately my ears perked up, and I listened intently. His tone changed when he announced that underneath where passengers were sitting was the body of a fallen soldier and that when our flight landed at its destination, he wanted us to show our respect by remaining in our seats to allow the soldier escorting the body to exit the plane first. Waves of sadness washed over me.

Approximately five hours later, the plane arrived safely.

The pilot again appeared and reminded us of his earlier announcement. From my seat, I watched a tall, well-built soldier with a somber countenance exit the plane. Looking out the window, my eyes captured a picture that I will remember for a long time. A distance away from the airplane, green fire trucks and police vehicles with flashing lights were parked. Standing not too far away were family members, including children, waiting to receive the body of their loved one. Also near the family were uniformed soldiers and a hearse. We disembarked, and with deep sadness, I continued to watch from inside the airport. Tears rolled down my cheeks, as well as the cheeks of the passenger standing next to me. She turned and said that she’d read that the fallen soldier was a young mother. The solemnity of the moment impacted me more deeply.

Never will she hug her children again.

How fragile life is! This young mother had paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to her country. I pondered what was going on in the thoughts of her family members as they watched the soldiers remove her lifeless body from the plane.

My husband and I continued to the baggage claim area with heavy hearts. Somehow, I couldn’t help thinking of this young soldier and her family.

My thoughts drifted to centuries ago when Jesus, the beloved Son of God, also paid the ultimate sacrifice not just for His country but for the entire world.

And that includes you and me. What unfathomable love!

Shirley C. Iheanacho