Patriot Guard Riders unveiled a cart used to transport the remains of military service members during a stop at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
"Patriot Guard Riders arrive at the Veterans Memorial Museum as they escorted the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart from its manufacturing facility in Seattle to its final destination at the Portland International Airport," the museum wrote online Tuesday, sharing photos of the riders.
Here's how Alaska Airlines describes the carts and the program behind them: "These dedicated carts, designed and crafted by Alaska’s Maintenance and Engineering department, are a solemn and respectful symbol that transports the remains of fallen service members, ensuring they are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. In 2011, the Fallen Soldier Program was created to ensure military protocols are followed when handling the remains of fallen service members being flown to their final resting place on Alaska Airlines. The cart plays a pivotal role during the dignified ceremonies of loading and unloading the remains of fallen soldiers onto aircraft. Adorned with the American flag, the insignia of the six military branches, and a plaque honoring the fallen, our carts are a powerful tribute to those who have served our country."
