Choir on Plane Sings for Fallen Soldier Being Escorted Home

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‘The Battle Hymn Of The Republic’ was written in 1861 by abolitionist Julia Ward Howe. The patriotic tune used music from the song "John Brown's Body." Julia heard the song played by one of the infantry troops on review and was inspired to change the lyrics. 

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on, His truth is marching
Glory, glory, Hallelujah! Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah! His truth is marching on”

Over the years, this timeless song has become a true icon for the United States. Many artists have lent their voices to this song, but nothing touches your heart quite as much as this choir on a plane. While disembarking from a flight, the captain announced an Army private was escorting the remains of a World War II soldier back to Houston. As the private exited the plane first, a choir onboard started to belt out the lyrics of ‘The Battle Hymn Of The Republic.’ One woman was able to capture the moment on camera and posted the touching clip online. The video quickly went viral. We are so thankful for all of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country. We will never forget these heroic actions.

"The entire nation was inspired by the words when they appeared, and the song became literally the battle hymn of the American republic during the dark days of the Civil War. When the song was sung at a rally attended by President Lincoln, he cried out with tears in his eyes, 'Sing it again!'" - Read the lyrics and the full story behind the meaning of this hymn here.

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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Guvendemir