When flight attendant Denis Snow learned of a fallen veteran who was on her flight, she paid respect in one of the most heart-wrenching ways.
A video posted to Facebook by an Alaska Airlines passenger shows the customer service agent singing the national anthem in tribute to a veteran, whose ashes would be traveling on the flight from Anchorage to Seattle.
This fallen Vietnam veteran had served in the U.S. military for over 20 years and was now making his final journey back home.
Snow announced the presence of the veterans remains before singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” in tribute of him. Her beautiful voice could be heard by everyone within earshot distance, causing them to stand still and pay their respects.
The airline passenger, Julia Collman Jette, recounted the event online:
“Neal recorded this and luckily enough he had his phone out to record it. I was fighting back tears! This happened in the Anchorage airport just before we boarded our flight to Seattle. A fallen soldier’s ashes were being carried home on our plane. He served 21 selfless years in our military. What a moving experience and what an amazing voice of that Alaska Airlines employee!”
News outlet Opposing Views described the tribute:
Once she started singing, her beautiful voice caught the attention of everyone within earshot, and they stood still to offer their respects.
According to Neal, almost everyone at the airport stood to offer their respects. He stated that “all but two” were standing as Snow sang the National Anthem. He said: “It was awesome to see the hundreds of people stop in their tracks to pull their hats off and stand at attention to show their respect.”
There is no policy requiring staff to do anything to honor the soldiers. However, Denise Snow always sings the National Anthem every time a fallen soldier is put on her flight. She also honors veterans by making the Honor Flight, a program started by a non-profit organization to help U.S. military veterans visit war memorials for free.
The heartwarming moment can be seen here: Facebook/Video
