Gone West
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Gone West is a euphemism used primarily by pilots to refer to dying or death. Its usage dates back to the barnstorming era after World War I. The meaning behind the expression is debated; Some believe it refers to flying to the then unexplored frontier land in the western United States, while others believe it refers to the setting sun. It used to be common for a gathering of pilots to drink a toast while facing west in memory of those who have gone before us, but this practice has fallen to disuse except among older pilots.
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