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April 21, 2005


First Welcome for 1/7 Marines

Cassandra and John both posted an article today about a group of tireless troop supporters in Bangor Maine who let nothing - not rain, not snow, not dead of night stop them in their appointed task of being the first to say "Welcome Home Marine" to our returning troops. Here's the link also sent to MCM by Marine Mom Tammie Greene:

"Here they come. Everybody get ready," said Joyce Goodwin, 71, her voice full of excitement, undiminished by the hundreds of times she has shown up to embrace the returning troops.

As dozens more Marines came down the corridor, the applause grew louder and was accompanied by handshakes, hugs, and a stream of well wishes: "Welcome home." "Thank you for your service." "God bless you." "Thank you for everything."

Faces brightened. Grouchiness disappeared. Greeters and Marines alike began taking photographs. The Marines were directed down a corridor decorated with American flags and red, white and blue posters to cellphones for free calls to family members.

They found a table with cookies and candies. Plates of homemade fudge circulated.

"Welcome home, gunny," said Al Dall, 74, who served in the Marines during the Korean War, as he thrust his hand at a startled Gunnery Sgt. Edward Parsons, 31, of Shelby, N.C.

"This is incredible," Parsons said. "Now I know I'm really back in the world."


Posted by Deb at April 21, 2005 08:00 PM

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Comments

These wonderful people in Bangor Maine were the 1st ones to welcome My Marine home about 3 weeks ago, it must have been 04:00.....but he said they were there and he got a hug from someone, and as his Marine Mom, I will be forever greatful for that hug that he received.

Jeff's mom

Posted by: Jackie Moran at April 22, 2005 09:17 AM

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