On the morning of May 23, 2012, at Reagan National Airport, a US Airways gate attendant announced over the public address system that an Honor Flight of World War II veterans would be arriving shortly at Gate 38. The attendant encouraged anyone in the airport who cared to do so to meet the veterans and welcome them. According to Chris Muller, who was in the airport at the time, here is what happened next:
“All throughout the terminal, people left their gates and gathered around gate 38. A few active military personnel in plain clothes approached the gate attendant and asked if they could join in the salute within the jet way as the heroes first stepped off the plane. Every human being in the terminal stood at attention and faced the door. …
“The first soldier walked through the door. Old, frail and needing help walking. And every person I could see in the entire airport stood and applauded. No – maybe cheered is more like it. … The applause didn’t stop. For a full 20 minutes, as veteran by veteran stepped out of the jet way, the US Airways wing of Reagan National Airport thundered in appreciation. …
“This is the America we picture in our heads. Heroes getting a hero’s welcome and those who enjoy the freedom adequately conveying their gratitude.
“Now, I know what honor looks like.”
[...] This is what heroism looks like [...]