In the days following the midair collision of an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, the remains of 67 victims have been identified. This includes Ian Epstein, a flight attendant onboard the commercial flight. He hadn’t been a flight attendant for very long. That said, he already adored his job and the traveling that came with it. And based on a recent honor this late flight attendant received, it’s clear that the love Ian felt for his career was returned by those who worked alongside him.
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Because Ian’s home is located in Charlotte, his remains were transported via plane. This process could have gone as normal, however, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport wanted to find a way to honor the late flight attendant. To do so, they utilized what is called a water cannon salute. This is often used for events like the retirement of a senior pilot and the first or last flight of a specific type of aircraft. Or, in this case, it’s used as a show of respect for the remains of a pilot or flight attendant.
@almalabebe Tonight the remains of #flightattendant #ianepsteinamericanairlines received the #watercannonsalute as it departs from DCA to his home so he may be laid to #eternalpeace #washingtondo #ronladreaganwashinternationalairport #psaairlines #aa #americanairlines #crewfamily #crewlife #solidarity #unitedbywings #washingtondc #ronladreaganwashinternationalairport #psaairlines #aa #danasiaelder #americanairlines #crewfamily #familiadetripulacion #crewlife #familiaaeria #solidaridad #unidosporlasalas #unitedbywings #captainjonathancampos #capitancampos #firstofficersamlilley #primeroficiallilley #flightattendantdanasiaelder #flightattendantianepstein #ianepsteinamericanairlines ♬ original sound – Music.avenue
The water cannon salute is such a simple yet powerful way for people like Ian to be honored. As shown above, two fire-fighting vehicles shoot out plumes of water into the air. This gave the plane carrying Ian’s body a heartbreakingly beautiful archway to travel under.
As this touching moment took place, a number of airport workers and emergency crews gathered nearby to pay their respects. Understandably, this emotional moment has had an impact on folks from all across the country.
Flight Attendant Killed in Washington D.C. Plane Crash Receives Emotional Honor When His Remains Are Brought Back Home
“I didn’t know this was a thing until now and I’m sobbing,” someone shares in reply to Ian’s water cannon salute, with another adding, “On behalf of all us flight attendants, our souls felt this deep. Fly high beautiful souls.”
“Ian it was an honor flying with you,” a third person shares. “You were an angel on earth and a bigger angel in heaven. Fly high, Ian, the skies [are] yours.”
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