More Dignified Return for Slain Troops

Honor guards replace forklifts for fallen troops after father takes up cause

In an about-face by the U.S. government four years into the war in Iraq, America's fallen troops are being brought back to their families aboard charter jets instead of ordinary commercial flights, and the caskets are being met by honor guards in white gloves instead of baggage handlers with forklifts.

That change — which took effect quietly in January and applies to members of the U.S. military killed in Afghanistan, too — came after a campaign waged by a father who was aghast to learn that his son's body was going to be unloaded like so much luggage

John Holley said an airline executive told him that was the "most expeditious" way to get the body home.

Persuaded by Hunter and others, Congress passed a law that requires the remains to be flown on a military or military-contracted aircraft. There must be an escort and an honor guard. Commercial airliners are used only if requested by families, or in cases where remains are sent outside the United States.

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Honestly I thought that all slain soldiors' caskets were handled by uniformed officer with gloves. Im glad that they are finally getting the respect that they deserve. I just think its sad that that these people are dying for nothing.

EDIT: spelling

[edit on 4/6/2007 by ImpliedChaos]

I also thought that our fallen soldiers were treated with respect and honor, by members of the military in charge of this ceremonies.

I had no idea that it had been changed like this.

But I am glad that has been taken care off.

The Marine Corps has done this from the start generally using recruiter staff or local reserve components. Nice to see the other branches doing the right thing.