thedrifter
04-28-08, 08:29 AM
Marines return home to heroes' welcome
Posted: April 27, 2008 09:59 PM
Updated: April 27, 2008 10:03 PM
SPOKANE -- Dozens of people showed up outside the Marine Reserve Center on Sunday, anxiously awaiting a very special delivery.
The signs were in place along Northwest Boulevard. Written on them were phrases like, "Welcome home!" and "We love our Marines". All for a group of Marines who have finally returned home to Spokane.
Families and friends gathered to welcome home the Marines of the Papa Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Regiment. It was a scene of overwhelming emotion for those who celebrated the homecoming of sons, fathers and husbands.
Veterans holding American flags created a row for the busses filled with Marines to drive through. And as they got off the busses faces began to light up, tears started to flow, and families were finally re-united. There were plenty of smiles, hugs and kisses to go around.
For Marine Michael Ryerse, it was an especially bittersweet moment. It was the first time he had seen his son since he was born.
"He was born in October and I was in Iraq," said Ryerse. "They sent us a text message, we were out on a mission, it was pretty amazing. It was a pretty awkward way to find out you're a father."
When asked what it was like to see his son for the first time, Ryerse stared at the boy with amazement, saying only, "It's amazing, he's pretty cute."
The Marines of the Papa Battery had been in Iraq for seven months. They were on convoy security and escort.
The Marines will spend some well deserved quality time with their families and friends, enjoy a good meal, and get plenty of rest.
Ellie
Posted: April 27, 2008 09:59 PM
Updated: April 27, 2008 10:03 PM
SPOKANE -- Dozens of people showed up outside the Marine Reserve Center on Sunday, anxiously awaiting a very special delivery.
The signs were in place along Northwest Boulevard. Written on them were phrases like, "Welcome home!" and "We love our Marines". All for a group of Marines who have finally returned home to Spokane.
Families and friends gathered to welcome home the Marines of the Papa Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Regiment. It was a scene of overwhelming emotion for those who celebrated the homecoming of sons, fathers and husbands.
Veterans holding American flags created a row for the busses filled with Marines to drive through. And as they got off the busses faces began to light up, tears started to flow, and families were finally re-united. There were plenty of smiles, hugs and kisses to go around.
For Marine Michael Ryerse, it was an especially bittersweet moment. It was the first time he had seen his son since he was born.
"He was born in October and I was in Iraq," said Ryerse. "They sent us a text message, we were out on a mission, it was pretty amazing. It was a pretty awkward way to find out you're a father."
When asked what it was like to see his son for the first time, Ryerse stared at the boy with amazement, saying only, "It's amazing, he's pretty cute."
The Marines of the Papa Battery had been in Iraq for seven months. They were on convoy security and escort.
The Marines will spend some well deserved quality time with their families and friends, enjoy a good meal, and get plenty of rest.
Ellie