With frustrating delays on the tarmac during holiday travel at one the busiest airport in the world, one might expect only cranky people to make the news.
But on flight 1238, stuck in Atlanta, Georgia, last night, some unexpected holiday cheer broke out—and everyone joined in for the chorus.
Passengers aboard the packed Delta Airlines flight had already been waiting for well over an hour to depart, when they were given more bad news—the replacement flight crew was stuck in traffic.
The beleaguered flight attendants were trying their best to keep people comfortable and calm on the plane, but the travelers were hot, tired, and cramped in like sardines.
Kate Dailey could “feel the tension rising in the air,” but then something magical happened.
A man stood up and began assembling his saxophone. Soon, he started playing Christmas Carols wandering up and down the aisle.
The mood on the plane was immediately elevated although the aircraft was still on the ground.
“I was surprised and delighted,” Kate told GNN. “People were clapping, singing along, and cheering this man for his playing.
The sax player was Wayne Hoey, who served in the U.S. Army band for 20 years, performing and traveling the world during the Vietnam War in order to boost troop morale—and that’s what was needed yesterday during the long delay.
“It was such a lovely thing to witness, and such a gift to everyone during a stressful travel time.”
He even played Baby Shark for the kids, and made everyone laugh with his teasing horn.
“He played really well—and everything from memory!” Kate reported.
After retiring from the Army, Mr. Hoey got his masters in music education and taught a middle school band in Colorado Springs. Today he lives in Augusta, Georgia, serving as a substitute music teacher, and jamming for audiences with his Wayne Hoey Big Band.
He’s known for telling students, ‘Always bring your sax,’ exactly so they could have the opportunity he had on his flight to Augusta last night—to entertain and delight.
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An impromptu kindness from strangers is a living example of the holiday spirit, and Wayne is a shining star.
“Thank you, good sir, for your service—then and now,” wrote Kate on social media. “You just renewed my faith in humanity.” ❤️
Watch the passengers join Wayne in a Jingle Bells singalong (starting at 22 seconds)…
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