Airport Goes Silent As Vietnam War Pilot’s Remains Finally Return Home On Flight Flown By His Son

Aug 15, 2019 by apost team

Bryan Knight lost his father at a young age. In 1967, when Bryan was only five years old, his dad, Colonel Roy A. Knight Jr. of the United States Air Force, went to serve in the Vietnam War. Tragically, Colonel Knight’s plane was shot down just a few months into his tour on May 19, 1967. Those who witnessed the crash say that the plane burst into flames as it hit the ground and reported no visible sign of a parachute from the crew.

As the Knight family waited with bated breath for news on Roy’s whereabouts, the Air Force declared him killed in action later that September. Despite the military’s best efforts, Roy’s remains were also never found reported CNN.

In the 52 years that followed, the Knight family courageously plugged along. Like his father, Bryan became a pilot, now working on commercial airlines. Despite having a good life, Bryan could never forget his father.

apost.com

Earlier this summer, Bryan got a surprising call from the military that has since allowed his family to have a degree of closure in Roy’s death. Over the years, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency had examined Roy’s crash site five times reports People.

In an inspection of the site in January, the military found human remains that, after scientific analysis, were determined to belong to Roy.

After learning that his father’s remains were found, Bryan piloted the plane that carried his father home to Dallas Love Field Airport, the same place from which he bade his father farewell so long ago. Much of the Knight family was present to receive Roy’s flag-draped coffin in a short ceremony. Bryan’s brother, Roy III, told reporters that the occasion was both beautiful and sad, calling it the end of a journey.

Airport personnel also took time to show their respect for Roy. Employees stood at attention on the tarmac as Roy’s coffin was taken off the plane. During an announcement over the airport’s PA system, an employee was audibly emotional as he told travelers Roy’s story.

Reporters present later told of how the entire airport was silent in awed reverence of Roy’s sacrifice. Many travelers nearby also watched the ceremony from a window overlooking the tarmac.

In a written statement, the airlines paid tribute to Roy and all other members of the military who died in service to our country, saying that they were honored to be part of Colonel Knight’s homecoming. The Knight family will also celebrate Roy’s life at a funeral service.

What do you think of how Bryan and the Knight family were able to finally say their proper goodbyes to Roy after 52 years?