Posted on 10/07/2005 8:23:47 AM PDT by flutters
Hundreds of Marines returning home from duty in Iraq arrived Friday morning in Akron and Columbus.
The Marines are part of the Third Battalion, 25th Marines, which lost 48 members in Iraq and is based in suburban Cleveland.
Two planes carrying 140 members of the Akron Weapons Company touched down in pre-dawn darkness at Akron-Canton Airport.
They were reunited with family members in a museum next to the airport, the Kent State University marching band playing in the background.
In Columbus, supporters gathered along a street near that city's airport to welcome home members of the Lima Company.
Among the early arrivals, was Kathleen Paugh of Columbus and her two grandchildren. Paugh said she didn't know anyone in the unit, but wanted to show her support.
On Thursday, at Groveport-Madison High School, students spent the day in art class creating welcome home posters that read, 'Thank You.'
At around 9:30 a.m. Friday, the entire high school lined up outside so the returning members of Lima 3/25 will know their sacrifice is appreciated.
It is a bittersweet homecoming. Of the Marines that mobilized on January 16th, 16 were killed in action and 34 Marines were wounded.
Lance Corporal Michael Strahle was badly wounded in a road bombing that killed six of his fellow Marines. He says that for him and the other injured Marines forced to come home early, Friday's homecoming is especially emotional.
Columbus ping.
I've just returned from the airport. It was great to see those men and welcome them home! I have the feed on TV right now also.
"The soldiers will be arriving..."
You mean Marines, they are not soldiers. There is a difference.
Welcome home Marines, a job well done.
Let the healing begin, stay strong and Semper Fidelis.
Sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect.
Well Done Marines, welcome home!!!!!
None taken.
Semper Fidelis
It was AWESOME!!!
Thanks Mac, your tag says it all!!!!
Me too.
I can't imagine how anxious their families are. I was so excited to see them, and I don't know any of them personally. The anticipation must be unbelievable!
Some of the kids are crying just waiting to see their dad. It's going to be very emotional.
They should be coming in anytime.
I am all choked up watching this on TV. I wish like hell this would have been the situation for our troops returning from Vietnam.
It is very touching. Many happy faces in the crowd.
I'll post some pictures later today. I've got to get some work done.
Welcome home Marines!!!
Thank You too Jarhead. I really appreciate those who came before me and those who will carry on OUR legacy.
Semper Fidelis
What an awesome thing to see!!
I watched WCMHTV4 and they showed the whole route the busses took. It was amazing! Thousands of people came out and stood in the rain to cheer for our returning troops!
Take that cindy! LOL!!
God Bless our Troops!
A very emotional day. Just watching the scenes on television makes you shed some tears.
Amazing.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.