Friends, Family Remember U.S. Air Force Pilot Lt. Kenneth ‘Kage’ Allen
Jul 4, 2020, 6:05 PM | Updated: Oct 30, 2022, 11:23 pm
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — You would expect to see a lot of American flags flying on July 4th, but even for a patriotic place like Brigham City, this year, there were just more of them — especially near Box Elder High School.
When you’re saying goodbye to one of your own who died while serving in the United States Air Force, a July 4th funeral full of red, white, and blue is about as patriotic as it gets.
Lt. Kenneth “Kage” Allen was killed during a training exercise last month when his jet crashed off the coast of England.
“I love him. He’s my hero,” said Chaz Allen, one of Kenneth’s brothers.
“I’m trying not to cry. I’m sorry,” said Joseph Allen, another one of Kenneth’s brothers.
Allen was student body President at Box Elder High school who graduated in 2011.
Here is the program for his funeral. pic.twitter.com/WK6pleALhG
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 4, 2020
His father, Mark Allen, told the story of how his son decided to give up playing soccer there his senior year so he could focus on getting his pilot’s license.
“For someone who knew he couldn’t do it all, he had the focus to do what he thought he should,” his father said.
Allen’s wife, Hannah, also spoke during the funeral. She talked about how this wasn’t the way their marriage was supposed to go.
The funeral for @usairforce Lt. Kenneth “Kage” Allen is about to begin in #BrighamCity. Allen was killed during a training exercise last month when his jet crashed off the coast of England. pic.twitter.com/Q7k9KIREr4
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 4, 2020
Hannah said they has plans to have lots of children, since they both came from large families.
“This isn’t the end, it’s just a pause,” said Hannah Allen. “We will see each other again.”
Allen’s family said the community support for her, and them, has been amazing.
“I think that he would see how deeply we really do love our people as a country,” said Joseph Allen. “How we get behind one another. We stand up for one another. Sometimes we kneel with one another. And that is patriotism and love at its core.”
Allen is being remembered as a man who saw the good in everyone.
“He had an ability to get to know everyone on a personal level, and make that person feel special,” said his brother, Major Jacob Allen.
As the funeral was ending, right at the end of the Star-Spangled Banner, there was a flyover of F-15’s from Oregon.
There was a flyover of F-15’s for Lt. Allen’s funeral. They came from Oregon. This is the type of jet he flew. #utah #ltallen #kage #airforce #brighamcity #ksltv pic.twitter.com/4CoEGDbYG7
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) July 4, 2020
It’s the type of plane Allen flew.
Those flying in the four jets knew him personally.
The pilots performed a missing man formation symbolizing Allen’s loss.
Allen’s casket was then brought into a hearse for one final ride.
A procession escorted him to the Mountain Green Cemetery, where his mother Debbie, and his wife Hannah were given American flags.
The family said July 4th was always special to them. Now, it will always have even more meaning.
