thedrifter
05-07-07, 10:11 AM
"Wounded East Tennessee Marine Welcomed Home With Parade"
The streets of downtown White Pine in East Tennessee were lined with residents Saturday carrying American flags and “Welcome Home” posters.
White Pine residents were welcoming home their local hero, Marine Corporal Bradley Walker. Walker lost both of his legs while serving in Iraq. Walker says the attack happened in the Haditha Province while his unit was conducting a routine field operation.
The Humvee Walker was in struck an improvised explosive device. Four other marines suffered minor injuries, but Walker took the hardest hit. He now uses a cane to walk.
Saturday’s homecoming was a happy one and the city even planned......a parade in the wounded marine’s honor. Walker rode on the back of a Corvette with family and friends. City leaders, congressman, the local high school marching band, and other marines escorted Corporal Walker along the parade route.
He was presented with several flags and plaques to honor his sacrifice for his country.
Walker said he was shocked that the city would throw a parade for his homecoming and that he was speechless. Family members said they were glad to have him home alive despite the loss of his legs.
Walker is home on a 30 day leave from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C.
Ellie
The streets of downtown White Pine in East Tennessee were lined with residents Saturday carrying American flags and “Welcome Home” posters.
White Pine residents were welcoming home their local hero, Marine Corporal Bradley Walker. Walker lost both of his legs while serving in Iraq. Walker says the attack happened in the Haditha Province while his unit was conducting a routine field operation.
The Humvee Walker was in struck an improvised explosive device. Four other marines suffered minor injuries, but Walker took the hardest hit. He now uses a cane to walk.
Saturday’s homecoming was a happy one and the city even planned......a parade in the wounded marine’s honor. Walker rode on the back of a Corvette with family and friends. City leaders, congressman, the local high school marching band, and other marines escorted Corporal Walker along the parade route.
He was presented with several flags and plaques to honor his sacrifice for his country.
Walker said he was shocked that the city would throw a parade for his homecoming and that he was speechless. Family members said they were glad to have him home alive despite the loss of his legs.
Walker is home on a 30 day leave from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C.
Ellie