there will always be moments that warm your heart reminding you of the goodness that still exists in people's hearts an entire airport came to a screeching halt when the passengers heard a frightening sound at first no one thought anything of it but it soon brought tears to their eyes when they discovered the heartwarming reason surprised by the announcement everyone at the Nashville International Airport turned around and watched as over 100 children and surviving spouses of Fallen Soldiers lined up to board an airplane provided by American Airlines Jen tringle brought her phone out eager to capture
the moment it was a few days to Christmas and everyone standing around including Jen was humbled at the sight of these kids and spouses who have paid a great price for their country Jen watched as the passengers cheered excitedly enclaved eager to give the children a well-deserved sendoff but just before before the families could board the plane the whole airport fell into a deafening silence seconds later an unmistakable sound fills the air December is the busiest month of the year people are flying in and out of the state excited to be reunited with their friends
and loved ones as the holidays kick off in full gear Jen tringle an international author and speaker was one of those passengers arriving at the Nashville International Airport just in time for Christmas as she made her way across the airport weaving through hundreds of airport goers an airline attendant made a surprising announcement the Nashville International Airport was going to be hosting special guests that day these were the children and surviving spouses of Fallen service members they were going on a 5-day all expense paid trip to Disney World as part of the annual Snowball Express program
organized by the Gary sise foundation and American Airlines the foundation created by Gary sise focused its efforts to serve veterans First Responders and their families as a way to appreciate them for putting their lives on the line to protect the country 13 American Airline planes were provided to over 1,000 families across 80 cities around the world the goal was to provide an unforgettable experience filling their days with fun activities and entertainment but also much needed resources for 5 days these children will have access to educational scholarships counseling mentorship and assistance for those with special needs
the holidays can be challenging especially for the families who have lost someone beloved in the military The Snowball Express began in 200 2006 with a letter written by a soldier to his wife he asked for it only to be opened should he not return as tragic fate would have it the letter was opened his wish was for his wife and kid kids to visit Disneyland his wish came true and started something bigger every year the children and surviving spouses of US military heroes from all across the United States and abroad are brought together for a
healing retreat in Disney World after the announcement was made passengers at the airport turned around and watched as the special guests walked by hundreds were departing from Nashville International Airport accompanied by soldiers Jen tringle took her phone out and began to film she was surprised at how everything came to a halt for that special moment it was very rare to see an International Airport come to a complete stop when just seconds ago no one seemed to have time for anything else the airline staff wanted to honor the children and create a memorable experience that they
would never forget they wanted to let the children know that they were not forgotten the country remember remembers their sacrifice and those of their parents and honors them the Star Spangled Banner began to play the anthem filled the entire airport drowning out everything else the soldiers saluted the families the busy Travelers stood quietly with their hands on their chests as they joined in on the special occasion a sense of Joy filled the room as they watched the family smile knowing that there were hundreds of people supporting and cheering them on the airport remained quiet until
the anthem stopped the passengers kept applauding the children as they boarded the plane ready to take off humbled by what she saw Jen shared the video to Facebook she said at the Nashville Airport I walked out into the Concourse to this scene American Airlines was flying a plane full of children who had lost a parent in combat to Disney World on an all expenses paid trip and they threw a party for them at the gate but when they announced them over the loudspeaker and they lined up to board the plane the whole airport literally stopped
in saying the National Anthem with military present in salute most every person standing around myself included was balling at the sight of these kids and spouses who have paid so great a price for our country to see all of this at Christmas time was so humbling seeing the general public in an airport stand still to honor these kids was simply beautiful the video soon went viral drawing the attention of millions around the world everyone had something to say about the special event it was a beautiful moment to witness and one for such a worthy cause
it is always beautiful to remember and celebrate those who have paid the ultimate price for their country it boosts the morale of soldiers still fighting on the front and inspires those that were left behind for many of the these families this is the only holiday they take each year giving them the space to heal and make fun memories comments started flooding in praising Jen for capturing the moment and the passengers for putting everything aside to give the children an experience they wouldn't forget in a lifetime Jennifer Hansen and her 8-year-old daughter were one of the
families that participated in the Snowball Express when she saw the video she commented it was the first time time since losing my husband that I went 5 days in a row without crying sure there were a few moments of filling up with tears however those were tears of gratitude and pride Jade penix was another participant that went with her son seeing the video reminded her of the solidarity she felt at the airport and the sense of place being among other people who have been through the same thing she said it's easier when you find people
who have gone through the same thing it's just important CU of all the bonding that we get to do he gets to find friends who are just like him and I get to find ones that have lost just like me the tears from the emotional trip had barely dried up when he shared a photo of himself seeing off yet another Snowball Express flight the next day seeing the attention the video received Jen tringle created a line of sweatshirts and all proceeds from the sale were donated to the garon Foundation the goal was to provide an
opportunity not just to give but to inspire others to give as well to a great Foundation helping amazing families the elaborate annual program keeps drawing attention every year with millions of people donating and volunteering to bring more joy to thousands of families every year what an incredible story would you ever volunteer for a cause like this or have you ever witnessed a snowball Express program let us know your thoughts in the comments below thanks for watching and see you in the next video
