By: Todd Heisler, the Rocky Mountain News
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You got to wonder what's going through their minds knowing that they are on the plane that brought him home,' he said. 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home.
And they should.'
By: Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain NewsThe night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop and played songs that reminder her of 'Cat' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted.
When I looked up Katherine Cathey, I found this blog also referencing her picture. He also has references at where he found further information on the matter.
Here is a story he referenced in his blog.
With further research, I found that this brave young man gave his life for our freedom on 8/21/2005.
These pictures are still traveling the internet because of the power they hold.
This is a scene that is being played out regularly and I pray we never forget these heros.
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing that story. It really broke my heart and yes, we need to remember them all.
Cynthia
I've seen this pic before. It is quite powerful and makes me thankful that mine came home differently. I'm so grateful for those who are in our Military. And their families. Soldiers day that deployment is harder on the families than it is for them out in the trenches.
Ok. Once again I'm moved to tears. What a beautiful post and one that is real and true. Thank you also for your comment on my FB post.
Thank you so much for such a beautiful, respectful post. I am always moved by stories involving the military and their families.
I am witness to situations of seperation almost daily working with the military. One of my girlfriends recently was assigned to duty in Iraq. She has two babies and a husband and I cannot tell you how hard they have ALL been taking it. Just pray for her safe and speedy return.
Thanks again.
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