A Cart Reserved For Heros

On the morning of May 10th, the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Group volunteer builders and their supporters will gather at Angle Lake Park between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 am for a ceremonial departure of the latest patriotic baggage cart destined for the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). 

Fallen Soldier Cart Departure Ceremony

Angle Lake Park

May 10th, 0700 - 0900

Guest Speakers:
Nathan Engel, Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Group
Father Jim Northrop, Saint Thomas Parish
Daniel Brosch, SFO Fallen Soldier Cart Lead, Master of Ceremonies
Michael Siefkes, SeaTac Mayor
Erin Sitterly, SeaTac Deputy Mayor
Kevin Rose, WA State Patriot Guard Riders

The cart will travel in a motorcade procession from SeaTac, WA, May 10, 2018 and arrive in Burlingame, CA, May 12, 2018 for an afternoon delivery and dedication ceremony at SFO. The public is invited and encouraged to join with other community members at Angle Lake for this free event.

Alone on the airfield, one cart is reserved for heroes.

With blue paint, red carpet and American flag curtains, a customized cart built exclusively to carry the remains of fallen service members along their journey home to their final resting place. It’s the most visible component of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program, which ensures the remains of a deceased soldier are treated with respect and dignity upon arrival.

The cart’s exterior features plaques representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Inside are plaques for the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. On the top of the cart, visible to airline customers, is a large decal that says “Alaska Airlines Honoring the Fallen” along with a star and emblems for the five armed services.

Through years prior, Alaska Airlines has deployed dedicated carts in Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Washington, D.C. and Dallas. This latest cart is directed to San Francisco. While the carts remain under Alaska’s care at each of these locations, they are available for any airline to use when transporting soldiers’ remains.