This weekend, American Airlines Cargo partnered with the nonprofit organization Operation Honor our Heroes to respectfully transport 10,000 American flags for a Memorial Day event in Washington D.C. This 2,312-pound shipment donated by American included one flag for every 120 service members who lost their lives in the line of duty. The flags, along with personalized memorial cards, were displayed near the National Mall in D.C.

"The cargo personnel of American Airlines ensured the flags for the fallen were transferred with dignity and honor," said Nancy Glass, founder of Operation Honor our Heroes. "Personnel were extremely courteous and helpful and made a very difficult mission seamless and efficient. The overwhelming, emotional response of the public at the National Mall for the display reinforced our commitment and dedication to honoring our nation's fallen heroes. We will NEVER forget."

American's Honor Team, dedicated to the safe and respectful transport of fallen soldiers and memorial artifacts, was present for the transport of these flags in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) as they were carefully loaded onto a Boeing 757 destined for Washington Reagan (DCA).

Following the loading of the flags, the flight's captain made a well-received in-flight announcement, introducing the important cargo onboard.

"A team of DFW Cargo and Ramp professionals went above and beyond to ensure this shipment was handled with extreme care and closely monitored, transferred and loaded onto each flight," said Don Larney, general manager, Cargo Operations – DFW. "We're extremely proud to play a role in the transport of such a symbolic, momentous shipment."

Glass founded Operation Honor our Heroes in 2007 in honor of Lt. Lonnie Alston, who was killed in action in France in 1944, and Master Sgt. Bob Horrigan, a member of the United States Delta Force, who was killed in action in Al Qaim, Iraq in 2005. All of the funds that the organization raises are awarded to wounded veterans and their families.

The flags will be returned to Austin (AUS) from DCA, via DFW this week, to be used for future occasions nationwide.

About American Airlines Group

American Airlines offers customers 6,800 daily flights to more than 365 destinations in 61 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. With a shared purpose of caring for people on life's journey, American's 130,000 global team members serve more than 200 million customers annually. Since 2013, American has invested more than $28 billion in its product and people and now flies the youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers, equipped with industry-leading high-speed Wi-Fi, lie-flat seats, and more inflight entertainment and access to power. American also has enhanced food and beverage options in the air and on the ground in its world-class Admirals Club and Flagship lounges. American was recently named a Five Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association and Airline of the Year by Air Transport World. American is a founding member of oneworld®, whose members serve 1,100 destinations in 180 countries and territories. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company's stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what's happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.