Veteran skydivers bring flags, smoke to Arlington to honor fallen and current heroes
Despite the rainy weather and a viral pandemic making large gatherings typical of Memorial Day impossible, Arlington was determined to honor the men and women who have been killed while serving in the armed forces.
Monday afternoon, they did that with four men who jumped out of an airplane with parachutes and with flags attached to their ankles. They left streams of red smoke against the dreary gray background of Arlington’s overcast skies, navigating strong winds to land in a Globe Life Field parking lot marked by red, white and blue smoke.
People in parked cars watched from the parking lot and nearby streets.
Mike Elliott, the skydiver with the American flag attached to his ankle, said it was an honor to be a part of memorializing the sacrifices of not only the men and women who have been killed in the armed forces, but also others who are on the front lines during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I want to give attention to the fallen veterans, but also the first responders, healthcare workers and the hair cutters,” Elliott said after his jump.
Elliott, a retired U.S. Army Golden Knight and president of the All Veteran Group, arranged the 10,000-foot jump.
Don Ballard, a Medal of Honor recipient, said before the event he hoped the jump would serve to educate young people about why Memorial Day exists. It’s a personal experience for him.
“I’m here remembering the guys who I served with who didn’t come home,” he said.
Mike Thornton, a retired Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient, said that Memorial Day isn’t just about the barbecues and lake parties that so often characterize the day. It is about celebrating and remembering those who gave their lives.
But this Memorial Day, he said, is also about honoring those working during the COVID-19 outbreak. He thanked everyone from first responders and healthcare workers to grocery store employees.
“I’m not a hero,” Thornton said. “They’re the heroes, fighting a battle against an enemy without a face.”
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said that Memorial Day this year was about focusing on the sacrifices made for American freedom and the better days ahead.
This story was originally published May 25, 2020 at 6:49 PM.