Bryan Knight last saw his father alive at Dallas Love Field airport. Bryan was 5 years old, waving goodbye to his dad who was heading out to Vietnam. Today the Southwest Airlines pilot brought his father home — to the same airport where he waved goodbye many years ago. 

Col. Roy Knight, Jr. was shot down over Vietnam on May 19, 1967. 

Welcome Home

As Jackson Proskow waited for the incoming flight to take him home to Washington, D.C., a gate agent shared the story of Col. Knight over the intercom. Proskow tweeted that something incredible was happening.

“Our incoming plane is carrying the remains of an American pilot shot down over Vietnam in 1967. His remains were only recently recovered and identified and brought back to the U.S.,” Proskow continued. 

Our incoming plane is carrying the remains of an American pilot shot down over Vietnam in 1967. His remains were only recently recovered and identified and brought back to the US.

— Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) August 8, 2019

Then came the even bigger punch in the gut. The plane was being piloted by Col. Knight’s very own son. Bryan Knight had earned his wings just like his daddy. And now he was bringing him home to Dallas. 

The entire terminal waited for the plane to arrive.

pic.twitter.com/eddkTE60m5

— Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) August 8, 2019

Incredible moment to watch. The entire airport fell silent. pic.twitter.com/TGp1X736R7

— Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) August 8, 2019

Proskow also shared the link to Col. Knight’s obituary. 

For those who want to know more, I’ve found an obituary for Col. Roy Knight Jr. https://t.co/Xuake1JtUP

— Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) August 8, 2019

Welcome home, hero. Welcome home.

Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.