I recently read an article about a fallen Marine, Lcpl Justin Wilson. His family had flown to Dover Air Force Base to receive his remains and then were to bring him home on another flight.

The family was at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport waiting to board a plane containing the casket of Lcpl Wilson, only the airlines had over booked the plane and there were no seats for the six family members.

What happened next hit me in the gut like a sucker punch. The representatives of the airline made an announcement. They offered a $500 dollar voucher to anyone who would give up their seat and take a later flight so the family could accompany Lcpl Wilson home.

Three people came forward and gave up their seats, one of who is the author of this article. Three seats were not enough. As the departure time neared a represenitive pleaded with the passengers for three more seats. “This young man gave his life for our country, can’t any of you give your seats so his family can get home?” Finally three more people gave up their seats.

As the author stated in her article, this all took place as the family stood nearby and witnessed the whole event. I do not no how these people that did not offer to help this family can sleep at night. I would be ashamed of myself if I did not immediately offer to give up my seat. I am most certainly ashamed of the people that did not offer.

Please go read the article by Colleen M. Getz. Her experience on that day will if nothing else make you think, but my guess is it will hit you in the gut too.