American Airlines is continuing to honour US armed forces members who died in service this Memorial Day with measures such as transporting the fallen heroes home.

Team members work together, often on very short notice to ensure every fallen hero is transported home with the utmost respect, dignity and honour.

In most cases, Color Guard members move the casket from the aircraft to a waiting hearse, then the fallen soldier is taken to the American Airlines Cargo facility while the family awaits their arrival in painted military carts designed to honour them.

After a moment of silence, the Color Guard assists in transferring the fallen soldier from the cart to the hearse.

Juan Garcia, an American Airlines Cargo account manager in Chicago says: “It is a reminder to all of us about the delicacy of life and the unimaginable sacrifices that the men and women of our Armed Forces—and their families—make. No words could ever completely express the emotions that are felt by these families, their loved ones and their military brothers and sisters.”

He adds: “To all our veterans, active-duty service members and families, we want to say thank you. While no words will ever be enough to express our gratitude for your sacrifice, we are simply humbled to help out where we can.”