Wow, what a Hero's welcome!
I did a lot of "recruiter" stuff today but I wanted to talk about the welcome for the tanker unit of the 48th Brigade. Wow.
First, ALL the firemen of this county showed up. ALL of them. There were State Troopers, local and county police. The mayor and state represenatives were there. Several radio stations covered the event as well as TV. The whole street in front of the armory was covered in yellow ribbons and flags. The local High School JROTC was there in full uniform. And finally the state chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders rode in and escorted the troops to the armory!
I stood at attention with the others in uniform and saluted as they marched into the armory. I cried as I saw children run up to their dads and hug them. I cried as I heard the commander's voive break as he thanked his men for their service under him. I got thanked by several civilians and they didn't stop thanking me when I explained that I was not part of the unit, they just wanted to thank me for whatever service I did.
It was very emotional and oh so wonderful. The guys were SO thankful for the reception. And to beat it all I FORGOT my camera. Sigh.
There is another "welcome home, Heroes." scheduled for Wednesday in Calhoun that I will be attending. The county is letting the kids out of school at noon that day so they can line the streets as the guys for that armory come home. Dang. I drove up there today and already the street from the freeway to the armory (over 5 miles) is lined with yellow ribbons and flags. THIS time I will bring my camera.
First, ALL the firemen of this county showed up. ALL of them. There were State Troopers, local and county police. The mayor and state represenatives were there. Several radio stations covered the event as well as TV. The whole street in front of the armory was covered in yellow ribbons and flags. The local High School JROTC was there in full uniform. And finally the state chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders rode in and escorted the troops to the armory!
I stood at attention with the others in uniform and saluted as they marched into the armory. I cried as I saw children run up to their dads and hug them. I cried as I heard the commander's voive break as he thanked his men for their service under him. I got thanked by several civilians and they didn't stop thanking me when I explained that I was not part of the unit, they just wanted to thank me for whatever service I did.
It was very emotional and oh so wonderful. The guys were SO thankful for the reception. And to beat it all I FORGOT my camera. Sigh.
There is another "welcome home, Heroes." scheduled for Wednesday in Calhoun that I will be attending. The county is letting the kids out of school at noon that day so they can line the streets as the guys for that armory come home. Dang. I drove up there today and already the street from the freeway to the armory (over 5 miles) is lined with yellow ribbons and flags. THIS time I will bring my camera.
posted by SGT Lori at 19:28
2 Comments:
And to think you get paid to do that!
I would do just about anything to get back in the Army...
How wonderful - I'm so glad that the community was so welcoming to the returning troops! How special for you to get to be there, too.
Even without pics, the visuals are good ;-)
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