6 June 2008
The whole airfield seemed to be taking the day off. The compound seemed quiet and vacant, a silent respect to those who passed. The day was pretty much a wash. Nobody felt like doing too much. In the heat of the afternoon, Task Force Eagle Assault, with formations from every sister service; Marines, Air Force, British, Dutch, French, Canadian and more, lined the ramp to honor the two flag draped coffins as they were borne onto the waiting C-130. The effect the sound of the bagpipes playing had as the procession moved in front of our formations was deep. We had been standing in formation in the sun and sweltering heat for a while. It was the respectful thing to do. Locked in the position of attention, presenting arms (saluting), waiting until the ramp of the aircraft closed with its precious cargo. Seemed to last forever. Arm and legs had lost circulation long ago, and every nerve screamed at you. But you hold it…you don’t move a muscle. You hold it because it’s the least you could do. Your physical agony does not compare to their sacrifice, or the emotional anguish of their loved ones. Everyone in the formation was feeling the same thing, unflinching.