Son of Vietnam Veteran Flies His Father’s Remains Home to Texas

Over 50 years ago, a plane went down in Vietnam with Air Force Colonel Roy Knight on board. His family had to live with the terrible uncertainty of never knowing exactly what happened to him. Then the crash site was investigated in June 2019, resulting in the discovery of human remains. Among them were Knight’s. On Thursday, August 8, 2019, Brian Knight, the colonel’s son, flew his father’s remains home to Dallas, Texas.

Upon the plane’s landing at Love Field, the entire terminal went silent, gathering at its windows to witness this emotional homecoming. Those watching the event were given American flags to honor the family. Although he was only five years old at the time, Brian recalled saying goodbye to his dad in January 1967, at Dallas Love Field. “It was a real surreal experience for a little kid,” he explained to KVT/CNN. “As we were walking back to the car, my mother was just sobbing, and that scared me.”

Photo: Facebook/Kirk Oliver

Colonel Knight’s son ultimately followed in his father’s footsteps, deciding to join the U.S. Air Force. At present, he flies for Southwest Airlines. The remains of those who were shot down in Vietnam all those years ago arrived in California on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. After that, it clearly made sense for the younger Knight to bring his father’s remains on to Dallas. Passengers on the flight from Oakland, California weren’t aware that the tribute was taking place, and the plane was saluted by a water cannon upon arrival. Knight’s family members watched the entire event with airline and airport staff as Colonel Knight’s casket, draped in an American flag, was escorted from the plane with military honors. The Colonel was buried in Weatherford, Texas on Saturday, August 10, 2019.

Texans everywhere are glad to see this American come home after so many years!