Selfless, courageous, and honorable. These are the words that best describe our soldiers who are fighting for the good of our country. If not for them, we wouldn’t be able to spend time with our beloved family- a privilege that we enjoy at the expense of theirs.
Although there is a noticeable decrease in the number of casualties each year, still, the risk of losing their life in the battlefield is a terrifying thought.
After all, in every man we lose in the battle, there is a wife who will never be able to kiss her husband, a husband who will never sleep next to his wife, a child who will never know the embrace of a father or a mother, and a parent who will never be able to see their precious child.
As a tribute to our fallen heroes and to the family they have left behind, the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Snowball Express paid their respect by bringing more than 100 children, who lost a parent who served in the battlefield, to the happiest place on Earth- Disney World!
Time seemed to stop at the Nashville International Airport when fellow passengers dropped what they were doing to sing the national anthem in honor of the sacrifices of the fallen parents of the children who were about to board their flight.
Jen Tringale, a Facebook user, shared the touching sight she had witnessed while she was in the Nashville terminal on her social media account.
“I walked out into the concourse to this scene @americanairlines was flying a plane full of children who had lost a parent in combat to Disneyworld on an all expenses paid trip and they threw a party for them at the gate.” Jen narrated.
However, more than the all expenses paid trip to Disney World for the children of our fallen heroes, there is an even greater deed that pulled strings to her heart.
“When they announced them over the loudspeaker and they lined up to board the plane the whole airport literally stopped and sang the national anthem with military present in salute. Most every person standing around, myself included was bawling at the sight of these kids and spouses who have paid so great a price for our country.
To see all of this at Christmas time was so humbling. Seeing the general public in an airport stand still to honor these kids was simply beautiful.” Jen recounted, detailing the sentimental gesture she took part in.
The video touched the hearts of thousands of people, earning more than 1 million of views in a short time. The people who have watched the video could not help but feel for the children who paid an immeasurable price for the freedom and liberty we are enjoying today.
“God Bless these Families who lost a spouse in the Military or these little children who lost a Mommy or Daddy. God Bless American Airlines for doing a Wonderful thing to send these children to Disneyworld and make them happy. God Bless Our Military for Sacrificing for Our Freedom and God Bless America.” A Facebook user said, praying for the healing families.
“WOW! Brought tears to my eyes as well. A big THANK YOU to every military family in the world!! God Bless you & Merry Christmas!” Another Facebook user said, sending her warm Christmas greetings to the family left behind by our fallen heroes.
“My children and I are a part of this group, though we flew out of Atlanta airport! So thankful for American Airlines, Snowball Express Organization, and Gary Sinise foundation for putting this on for us.” A Facebook user, who turned out to be a part of the Gold Star children and family, shared her gratitude for the people behind the foundation who has always been there for them.
Every month of December, the Snowball Express, now under the care of Gary Sinise’s charity, flies more than 1,000 Gold Star children and their parent or guardian (surviving children of the those killed in war) to Disney World via American Air Lines flights.
According to the Forest Gump star, the Snowball Express and his foundation aim to let the surviving family of our fallen heroes know that they are not forgotten.
“It’s something I feel is incredibly important for our nation, letting the children know that we do not forget their sacrifices and we honor them. And it’s such a great feeling to see them healing, smiling, and having fun.” Gary Sinise explains on his foundation’s website.
True to his words, just this Sunday, Gary Sinise himself personally sent another batch of Gold Star children departing from Los Angeles. In addition, in one of his heartwarming photos uploaded on his Instagram account, Gary Sinise promised to join the Gold Star children later this week.
“I’ll join up in a few days, Have fun, kids! We love you!” Gary Sinise wrote.
Watch the touching video below and witness how the people of America paid their gratitude and honor to the families left behind by the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the battlefield! This Christmas, may we not forget to include them in our well wishes!
Video | Jen Tringale