Snowball Express Salutes Fallen Military Heroes

For one morning each year, part of Concourse B at Pittsburgh International Airport is transformed into a holiday wonderland to honor brave service members who lost their lives in service to their country.

Every year at the beginning of December, American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation fly members of Gold Star families—those who have lost service members—to Disney World in Orlando, a trip that comes at no charge to them.

PIT was one of several airports across the country to host the Dec. 2 event.

This year, the Snowball Express flight took off at approximately 6:45 a.m., but the families arrived at the gate for holiday fun about an hour beforehand. American Airlines staff joined Allegheny County Airport Authority firefighters and staff members, representatives from the Gary Sinise Foundation, military representatives, Patriot Guard Riders and volunteers to send the families on their way to Florida.

Blue Sky News photographer Beth Hollerich captured the event in photos. Check out the slideshow below to see more!