Southwest pilot brings father's remains home from Vietnam 52 years later

In May 1967, U.S. Air Force Col. Roy Knight Jr., from Garner, Texas, was killed while serving in the Vietnam War. Earlier this year, Knight's remains were identified in Laos. And on Thursday, the veteran's journey came full circle when his son flew his remains into Love Field. MORE: on.wfaa.com/2O...

[@idleonlooker1078]

A young son waved his father off to war, and 52yrs later that son flew him back home. Respect.

[@ChrisSmith-fk3ru]

AMEN! Beautifully phrased!

[@jenniferscovell2151]

❤️

[@joejackson5450]

That is ultimate honor

[@ramcharge2704]

Oh wow !. Heart breaking! But what an honor for his son.

[@veronicalloyd7902]

Everything came full circle

[@paulanderson9407]

What a honor for his own son flying his father's remains back for proper burial.Brought tears to my eyes a veteran myself what a honor for his son.

[@johnodriscoll4180]

Thank you for your Service

[@shannoninalaska]

Thank you for risking your life for our freedom. You deserve the deepest respect and gratitude. 🙏 You are a hero.

[@foxmulder3748]

Made me shed a tear aswell.

[@Gunnypauly73]

You saId it Bro !!

[@denisguillan6132]

❤

[@noomwa]

I am Hmong and my father and our people were part of the secret war that worked alongside the CIA to go after the American pilots shot down in the jungles of Laos. We are in the USA due to my father's courage. Today, Captain, I'm crying for you and my dad. I'm so deeply pleased that you are able to bring your dad home, finally.

[@erichardzz]

Your father was very courageous. Thank you for his efforts to serve and assist the United States.

[@williamm374]

I wish the USA would do more to help the Hmong people. I was sick when Thailand sent Hmong refugees back to Laos. I wrote to members of Congress, to newspapers, no response, nothing.

[@11UncleBooker22]

The Hmong people were and are a wonderful culture and we're lucky to have them as friends and citizens of America.

[@pamelabryant7390]

Thank you and your father for all he DID for the USA! 🇺🇸♥️

[@bevwyckoff2451]

I wept when I read this. Thank you. No words

[@marinemom351]

I cried like a baby watching this. When my son graduated high school he joined the Marines. I tried to talk him out of it because I grew up during Viet Nam and I did not want to be one of those moms who has someone knock on their door telling them their son was dead. He told me he would do whatever it takes, including giving his life, so people could live free. I never mentioned my fears to him again. Fourteen months later there was a knock on our door by a member of the Marine Corps letting us know our son was killed. In our last conversation I told him I would pick him up from the airport when he came home for some leave time. Never did I imagine it would be out of the belly of a plane. My heart goes out to this family and I am happy the Captain was able to bring his father home. We are grateful for his service.

[@SoberOKMoments]

And we are grateful for your son's service and sacrifice. May his memory always be your blessing.

[@xtinamarie9078]

🤍🙏

[@Ritercrazy]

I am so so so sorry. Brave soldier.

[@norseman5041]

When a family member serves, everyone in the family serves. I served 5 years on submarines; it was nothing compared to those who had to walk fields of horror. I am so sorry for your loss, when I hear stories like this my heart bleed.

[@BJMauck]

I’m so terribly sorry for your loss and sacrifice. May God comfort you always. 🙏

[@paulsmith8212]

I am a Vietnam era veteran. I am 67 now . To me this was a very touching documentary. All I can say is Welcome Home!

[@johnodriscoll4180]

Thank you for your Service

[@AnalBeeds07]

Thank you for your service sir

[@billypirone7960]

Thank You Sir.

[@stardust14pearl91]

Thank you so much for your service.

[@reticentrobin9481]

Thank you for your service, Mr Smith.

[@silvereagle2061]

As a 62 year old man who lost his dad in Vietnam at age 6, this hit me pretty hard, and I grieve with the Captain.

[@parislikesliners]

My Condolences 🙏🏾❤️

[@olly8]

Wow! May this event help heal that 6 year old in you 😥 Sorry for your loss 🕊

[@silvereagle2061]

@@olly8 Thank you so much

[@GLRG5789]

Grown men can cry, right? God Bless Colonel Knight, Captain Knight, and the entire Knight family. 😢

[@Karen-pk3uv]

Yes. Well, unless they're a robot. So, if a grown male puppy is allowed to whimper, there's no reason a grown male human can't cry🤷‍♀️ 💔

[@haydeng.957]

“I don’t know why they say grown men don’t cry.” -Tim McGraw

[@melissagayheart7716]

Definitely Grown men cry! I think a man that can cry at a video like this; is more of a man ❤

[@melissagayheart7716]

@@haydeng.957 I thought of that song too! I love that song ❤

[@brbob4934]

Good grief I bet there wasn't a dry eye on that plane. I'm tearing up sitting in my dining room. What a privilege to have been on that flight.

[@julievanderleest]

Seriously I’d be crying like a baby if I was on the plane. Now I’m just crying alone in the dark with my dog wondering what he should do about it.😢

[@geoffreyr2356]

My eyes tears, my arms have goosebumps and my heart smiled just now. He, his Father is home now. To his Family I say "Thank you for his service and dedication to our country." May peace be with all of you.

[@waltersmith6437]

I was trying to find the right words to post, I couldn't but you did. Well said!

[@geoffreyr2356]

@@waltersmith6437 Thank you.

[@mamavswild]

Oh holy shit; I couldn’t hold back a sob and now everyone is looking at me on the subway

[@xgnofearzthe10thgenlegend82]

Been in this position before. It is what it is man. It’s ok

[@maddyhayes617]

Or lady

[@mamavswild]

@@maddyhayes617 it’s lady 😀. But that’s ok!

[@S62bhas]

sir don't curse the Holy Spirit America is Suffering & Getting Curses With Crooks And Bad Guys Like You Fellows

[@solarnaut]

Wild Mountain Gwendy, generally I hate those "try not to cry" titles on touching videos . . . in part because crying is helpful to rinsing the spirit ! . . . but if anyone on the subway is giving you a funny look for your emotions, maybe you wanna say "watch this, and YOU try not to cry !" :-P

[@kendawa2918]

Being a combat veteran, the tears in my eyes flow of pride and joy. Welcome home, Sir!

[@julievanderleest]

Thank you for your service too Ken. What branch of the military did you serve for? Please accept this virtual handshake. America is forever in debt to heroes like you.🇺🇸❤️🤝

[@debbiegrasse3920]

Thank you for your service.

[@mikestonne]

Amen brother

[@karengossett1475]

😭😭🙏❤️ The stories of war never end. My father served in WW2 and my son-in-law died in Iraq. When you see a veteran please don’t be shy...Thank them!

[@tattii4u]

Im very sorry for your and thank you for your sacrifice

[@deborahriley8136]

My dad taught me to thank veterans for their service, and I have met some amazing people through that simple act. Karen, I count you as one of those people, and I thank you for your sacrifice.

[@karengossett1475]

@@deborahriley8136 This is the nicest reply I have ever received. Bless your heart and thank you 🙏

[@thetruthk5138]

Shame the government's of America and the UK do not do much to help them in a positive and meaningful way more ex servicemen suffer from homelessness addiction problems but the government's do FA

[@jeffreylindsey1757]

My God what a beautiful tribute to a fallen Airmen by his son and many involved. My condolences and RIP Sir. Glad you finally made it home. Godspeed

[@hotpotatapie]

The most touching story I've heard in a long time, brought tears to my eyes. The colonel's son Brian Knight grew up to walk in his father's footsteps and become an USAF pilot himself to pick up the pieces 50 years later and fly Dad home. Godspeed to the Knight family, may you be in a little more peace now that this chapter has closed.

[@catlady5862]

Bless this fallen soldier and his son for flying his dad home . 🇺🇸

[@joshd4444]

Thank you for posting this touching video. What a wonderful thing for SW Airline, the Military and everyone involved to do.. allowing the son of a highly decorated, fallen American soldier to be brought home this way. Only wish I could've watched without my wife chopping those onions behind me. God bless this family 🙏🙏

[@amariahg5450]

The captain speaking, Mike Hawkes, is a fellow veteran and former military pilot. He's a very sensitive and sweet man, I can only imagine how be must have felt being able to share this fallen soldier's story. How do I know him? He's my best friend's dad and like a second father to me - he does his family, the military, and Southwest Airlines proud. How wonderful for the captain flying to be able to bring his father home - to honor his father's service and sacrifice.

[@StacyL.]

So touching.. A son bringing his father home. Finally.

[@needabreak]

How wonderful for his son to be able to bring him home. Bless them all.

[@debbiexoxoxo6628]

WOW 52 yrs later. I salute you sir. Thank you for your sacrifice.

[@simplyme922]

Welcome home colonel.

[@christopherbradley5575]

We need more stories like this. Stories like this remind us that the day to day things we take so seriously and get so upset about matter very little. Moments like these are what really matters in life. Rest in peace.

[@davedyson4730]

Welcome home and thank you for your service. I live in the UK and I live a free life because of all service men and women. I’m 66.

[@roberts5273]

So touching. As a veteran myself, I watch this video and just want to cry

[@brbob4934]

Give in and just do it. Thanks for your service. USN 86-92

[@robincorprew9007]

I'm a veteran too and I cried hard my friend.

[@jasontipton8430]

Oh you cried i didnt though oh no im to tough lol i cried.

[@maddyhayes617]

Do not ever be afraid to show your emotions. On a similar note, my dad say at the dining room table and talked to me about the depression. He showed his emotions and I loved him even more. I wish the younger people nowadays (I am now 67) would spend time talking with the older generation. They have fascinating stories to speak about (some funny, some very sad....) and who cares if they may have told you before. Both my parents have passed (after 61 years of marriage). I wish I had heard more of their lives while I was growing up. 😭

[@maddyhayes617]

my dad sat at....

[@buddyplatt6496]

What a story. Thank you for bringing our hero home. RIP Brave hero!

[@michaelshada262]

Dear Internet. Stop making me cry. That was a beautiful and heartfelt honer. 68-year-old american veteran here. One of the lucky ones who didnt get sent over there.

[@bobp1016]

So touching. It’s sad that people give this video a thumbs down, they must be dead inside. God bless all who defend our country.

[@maryjane-rx4sq]

Home at last. Beautiful and sad at the same time. May he RIP.

[@stitch1960]

This is the best of humanity. This is what the world should be like. Doing what you know is right. Total Respect !

[@jshafer7870]

I'd like to think he became a Pilot so he could be the one to bring his dad home. How beautiful. And welcome home, Colonel. 🇺🇸❤

[@helenhollis3984]

Thank you Mike, for your Father, His sacrifice, and your love.

[@mikedunham8481]

Very heartwarming and WELCOME HOME!! I am very lucky my father passed away in June did 2 tours in Nam came back. Thank you again!

[@marynguyen2579]

I sincerely thank you Col Roy Knight, your family,, can't stop 😢😢😢😢😢. You, your family are in my today Mass,

[@maxwellsmart4422]

Too emotional. Welcome home.

[@snelson0929]

What an inspiring story. Kudos to Southwest for arranging this.

[@Johnny-nx6gj]

Welcome home sir.. thank you for you ultimate sacrifice. Although it is sad, i would imagine the family was feeling honor for their fallen hero, and finally had peace and closure. What an amazing story!

[@palmtree8544]

I am glad he is finally home!!!

[@anthonygasparini1734]

Brought me to tears! Welcome home soldier all our gratitude and love for you. Your ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered.

[@kevinonthank]

Such a touching moment captured on Video. 😢(tears of happiness of a fallen hero). God bless him and his family and RIP to his father. So glad they have closure and found his remains 🇺🇸

[@stanburman9978]

Welcome home sir. RIP.

[@katgrey6239]

Thank you for your service soldier.

[@lelleithmurray235]

I love stories like this that touch the soul.

[@gunnyu.s.m.c8606]

That's awesome! That's an honor in it's self knowing your bringing a hero home and it's an honor knowing it's your dad your biggest hero of all! I'm greatful for his service and im greatful for the captain for bringing our brother home my compliments sir and thank you for sharing this video

[@AnnaD25]

Welcome home sir🗽

[@alexgilbert6245]

I cannot emagine the honour of bringing his dad home

[@michaelreed9652]

Bless all my fallen brothers......... 11th ACR. Class of 67

[@lisamarielund6292]

Welcome home Sir! My flew helicopters in Vietnam & this bright tears to my eyes.

[@bk6331]

That must have been a beautiful peaceful flight .

[@techsysengineer5135]

My brother-in-law is a Sr Director @ SWA - I am quite proud of what he does for this great company. I am more proud of our military service men & women.

[@unfocusedsenior8002]

RIP airman! Emotional story.

[@marynichols438]

Oh, my gosh. What an amazing story. I am so choked up right now. The odds of this happening are astounding.

[@jshepard152]

Sweet moment. Good job, Captain.

[@cmcer1995]

Oh Wow! What a story. I am so glad he was able to return home after so many years being apart from those who love him. A sad day and a joyous day. Thank you for your service.

[@slim135what]

What a touching story. Welcome home to a veteran brother. A true Hero.

[@jakezgab8576]

And that’s where America gets its greatness from.

[@block4565]

This confuses me.... how is this greatness of America? People all over the world do things like this. One huge flaw with America is many residents think too highly of themselves. The Vietnam war was very controversial as have all wars been, because we now know without a doubt that they have all been fought in the name of greed, fear and ignorance. Costing millions of lives (Just like the gentleman shot down in this video) not to mention the civilian lives lost.. Greatness has nothing to do with a country. It's down to the individuals that call it home. America is and has been the laughingstock of the world for many many many years.... Time to wake up

[@FA-jh3dw]

@@block4565 This confuses me...how is it NOT the greatness of America? No other country even comes close to the number of immigrants America has with people fighting to get into this country, even illegally. But yes, continue to wrongly call America a “laughing stock” you liberal imbecile.

[@user-hc7qb6zy5x]

@Ken&Elaine Z he never said he lives in the US and people are allowed to have opinions about a country without being kicked out. People like you create dictatorships

[@betterlatethannever2156]

@Ken&Elaine Z nahhh

[@b_3791]

@@block4565 exactly. but alas, american exceptionalism is a product of ignorance and ego, not critical thinking.

[@KM-mv3qr]

I have no words, except, God bless all of you.

[@senniewhite6301]

*Thank you for such a touching story.*

[@EricH_1983]

He looks the spitting image of his dad. All those potential moments he could of had with his dad lost forever, because of wars..

[@genataylor460]

Tearing up again, hearing this. Finally getting closure. After 52 years.

[@billlittlejohn2331]

Man! That really touched my heart in a wonderful way. Imagine how his son felt to be the pilot who brought his dad home after all those years. I was there and the Lord allowed me to come home. My heart goes out to all who didn't. Godbless all who serve and have served. If you don't know. Love Field is in Dallas.

[@tula7141]

Much respect. Thank you for your sacrifice, Sir.

[@wildbillsheiressusa]

Thank you for your Dad’s service. My Dad is a Vietnam Vet who made it back, but has never been the same since that war. May your father rest in peace

[@davewinter2688]

I’ve watched this video a several times. I’m a 70 year old son of a WWII veteran who got home safely. My wife’s uncle was one of the U.S. Marines 2nd Marine Raiders , the famous Carlson’s Raiders, who was killed on the raid on Makin Atol on August 17, 1942 who remains were finally recovered and identified in 1999. He was a 28 year old high school English teacher and coach in a little town in South Dakota when he joined the marines and 29 years old when he was killed. He had never married. Only one sister and some nieces and nephews were the only family members able to finally were able to lay him to rest. Every time I watch this video a wave of emotion washes over me and I can’t stop the tears as I wonder what it would have been like growing up without my father. God bless all our service members who sacrificed their lives for us.

[@midnitehauler-usafcombatve644]

As a military veteran this definitely touches my heart. 🙏🏿😔

[@2324jakemiller]

Amen prayers with the family

[@crush42mash6]

So touching, the soldiers gave everything they got! This choked me up…

[@jasontipton8430]

Rest in peace sir..

[@tiredoldman5329]

God Bless him.

[@haydeng.957]

I’m not crying my eyes are sweating.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

My sincere respects and regrets to the Knight family. I am happy that some closure has come to you, even after all this time. Let me offer a small prayer that was taught to me by my Episcopal rector, "May the pain of your grief be mercifully short and the joy of your memories blessedly long..." Second comment: All kinds of props to the DoD's Joint POW/MIA Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Lab. Their motto, "Until They Come Home". Their watchword, "No More Unknowns". The deceased father of a friend of my family was returned from Korea about 5 years ago through the good offices of these folks.

[@kmeier1978]

Wow!!!! Heartbreaking!!! So glad they were able to have closure on this.

[@DDee-oi6kn]

What an honor that must have been for him to bring his dad home.

[@mikem5043]

I couldn't help but well up some tears watching this. The Captain's father would be proud of him

[@lisamoolman719]

Omw... Am in tears... May your father rest in peace Capt. Knight. So happy though that you were able to finally bring him home. 🌹

[@wotan10950]

Extraordinary story. I wish the captain (the hero’s son) had said a few words. FWIW, I registered for the Vietnam draft in 1972 (I still have my card), but thank God the war was coming to an end, and I never had to go.

[@katrenalee1656]

I’m wondering if either he couldn’t speak due to the emotions of it all or if maybe he just didn’t want to pat himself on the back and make a big deal of it. I’m guessing the captain that did speak insisted.

[@ahhitskatie9094]

What an honor it must have been to be on this flight. My heart is with this family. ❤️

[@bethroesch2156]

And he brought his dad home 🙏🏻

[@rvrbarnacle79]

Southwest is a great airline lots of military pilots and great people/employees. I always fill safe on their planes and will continue hold my preferred card and fly with them. Thanks Southwest!

[@alext8020]

You always "fill safe"? LMAO. Learn how to spell.

[@ericmahr9445]

@@alext8020 how about finding something better to do instead of spreading negativity.

[@joeybonin7691]

@@alext8020 Gee, I wish we could all spell as well as you.

[@clarkemason7931]

@@alext8020 Your comment has been logged, thank you for the identification.

[@Chris-ms7zu]

My Dad was in Vietnam veteran 68 and 69 and I love him so much for coming home to me and my brother and all veterans

[@sangoud8583]

This story brought me so many tears.

[@minnipearls3633]

Wow... unbelievable crying right now.

[@AnthonyFurnival]

That one pulled on the heartstrings. Live and respect to those who fought for their countries and the loved ones they leave behind.

[@carringtonlefayette8644]

Bryan how truly heart rendering that you were the pilot that bought your Father home to home soil is beyond fabulous. The universe was showing off when your Family was made. Kind deeds change lives. Blessings to your Family. Thank you for your service Sir. Australia.

[@motorcitylady13]

Wow. It's been a year since this was posted. I would still like to say welcome home and thank you for your service.

[@williamm374]

Our Vietnam veterans deserve every encomium and measure of respect we can give them.

[@GreenEyes-gv6zj]

God Bless 🙏 Rest In Peace!! 🙏 🙏 Thank You for your Service to our Country !!

[@navajo1806]

Welcome Home SR

[@shannoninalaska]

What an amazing, sad, happy, and ironic chain of events. So many emotions in this story.

[@sly2392]

who in their right mind would give a thumbs down response? HOW DISRESPECTFUL.

[@kelliea7451]

They're probably disliking the fact that it took so long to get him home to be buried. There are other reasons for disliking a video. Dislikes also help the channel. They get views no matter way the reaction is.

[@juangoya4200]

honor to the man who gave his life in order to preserve freedom!!!

[@heatherthorn7226]

Tears!!! What a beautiful story! Thank you for your service to our country❤️🤍💙

[@nickbeats1195]

A family of great American's. Thank you for your sacrifice for your country 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍

[@stephenprizeman6669]

Amazing

[@Mookie70]

Sweet Jesus...this is an absolutely touching clip and even more touching story within. Thank you thank you for this special post

[@m.cristynavarro77]

Wow. True hero. Oh man, my eyes are watery. Thank you. Oh man I cant even type. 😞

[@davidsoule1252]

Awesome! Total respect as I am a Vietnam Veteran who was able to return.

[@gracie2298]

Thank you for serving and so sorry it took this long to get you home!

[@kam0406]

Wow. Amazing. May he rest in peace.

[@carmenmontoya6444]

Thank you for your service Captain Knight. May you rest in peace 🙏. You are home now.

[@carlr.2322]

Great respect for this man and his family rest in peace 👍

[@chadvartanian9125]

Absolutely amazing!