Travelers heading through Nashville International Airport over the weekend took a few moments to sing a rendition of “Star-Spangled Banner” in honor of a group of children who lost their parents in combat. The group of children was being flown out to Disneyland on an all-expenses-paid trip organized by the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express Program.
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In a press release, the organization stated that it would be hosting “a five-day experience for 1,722 children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian,” adding that “this therapeutic retreat will offer fun and inspiring programs, encouraging critical peer-to-peer support for these families.”
Fellow travelers were stunned by the remarkable show of respect shown by the foundation and those who joined in with this rousing rendition of the national anthem.
“At the Nashville airport 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 Tringale wrote on Facebook on Saturday.
I witnessed an international airport come to a complete stop today … At the Nashville airport 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❤️But when they announced them over the loud speaker 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 beauitful. @bna_airport #nashville #fallenwarriors Gary Sinise Foundation #america #snowballexpress #christmas Garysinise
Posted by Jen Tringale on Saturday, December 8, 2018
“But when they announced them over the loud speaker and they lined up to board the plane the whole airport literally stopped and sang the national anthem with military present in salute,” she continued.
Over 1000 Gold Star Children travel w/ surviving parent, 1,750 in all, via @americanair to Disney World today as part of our @GarySiniseFound Snowball Express program. This charter left LAX this morning. I’ll join up in a few days. Have fun kids! We love you! pic.twitter.com/OfMEpVF1er
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 8, 2018
“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.”
We remember. ?? #GarySiniseFoundation #SnowballExpress2018 #GoldStarFamilies pic.twitter.com/86tJurtr2J
— GarySiniseFoundation (@GarySiniseFound) December 11, 2018
“Seeing the general public in an airport stand still to honor these kids was simply beautiful,” Triangle wrote.
What a sendoff for families as they board the Snowball Express! @INDairport -> Chicago -> Orlando for a special holiday trip in honor of their loved ones who died while serving our country. @GarySiniseFound @GarySinise @DoubleGee18 @WTHRcom #WTHRSunrise pic.twitter.com/ZWNAfnckBk
— Anna Carrera (@AnnaWTHR) December 8, 2018
An amazing moment, and a wonderful program for these deserving kids.