(CNN) — A jet flying in formation with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels precision flying team crashed into a Beaufort, South Carolina, neighborhood, causing an “enormous fireball” during an air show, authorities said.
The Navy aviator was killed, Beaufort County Coroner Curt Copeland said. The F/A-18’s pilot is the only known fatality. The aviator’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
My heart stopped when I read this today. The men who become Blue Angels endure a rigorous vetting from literally hundreds of applicants. Only the finest of the finest are considered. And only the very best are chosen from those pickings. These are men who have committed themselves to excellence, dedicated themselves to precision, and have managed to stand out in a sea of exquisite candidates.
One man died today. We do not yet know his name.
But because he was a Blue Angel it is a given: he was the best of the best.
I look out my window and it is raining; perhaps that is fitting for this post. And we as a nation, we are diminished by a fraction. But diminished nevertheless.
One more good man dies. God bless he and his family.
But he died doing what he loved. That much is certain.
And now we must acknowledge: he really is flying with the angels; all of them now. There is a heaven, and he is there. I am unsure why this has struck me so. But it has hit me hard and as I write this my eyes are clouded with tears.
As it has been, as it shall ever be: only our best seem to fall.
BZ
Anonymous: I don’t have the first clue about your comment and, in my opinion, you dishonor the aviator who dies. If I could delete your comment, I would do so immediately.
BZ
Damn, ya can’t even say something good about one of The Blue Angels without a moonbat comment…
BZ, I was 15 years old and I got to meet the entire Blue Angels 1968 team, I had an autographed posted, signed by the entire team too, it eventually went to pieces over the years, even though I had it framed, I didn’t have glass over it…
I really wish I knew then what I know now…
Rest in Peace Blue Angel… Semper Fi…
Hey BZ-
I wasn’t dishonoring the fallen American. I was commenting on your statement, “I am uncertain why this has struck me so.” From a previous post you stated that you now believed in God. I was only trying to help you have an understanding of why it could have “struck” you so.
I have a great love for all people, no matter where they come from or what they have done, good or bad.
When we believe in God and learn to love Him and put his life into ours, we become tender hearted.
Very well said BZ … he was a piece of the nations strength, and the lose will be shared, and remembered, by the nation. May he rest in peace, and God Bless him and his family.
A touching tribute, BZ. Thank you. I also love the picture you chose.
I truly feel sorry for him and the loved ones he left behind. This will also be a big blow to the Navy and the Marine Corp.
It does seem true that only our best fall, doesn’t it? 🙁
Even in peace our warriors die, and we must never cease to honor them no matter how they die, against an armed foe or by accident.