Backing up to last week now. Zach and the other 159 soldiers came home last Thursday. They landed in Rapid City, and then piled onto buses for the journey home. There were several houses along the interstate near Sturgis that decorated their backyard chainlink fences along the interstate with "WELCOME HOME 842nd!" and lots of yellow balloons. I think what touched me the most, is the people who do not know or have a direct family member in the service, that take the time to say thank you, or attend the ceremonies or parades for our soldiers. We waited with our signs! (Thank you Renia, for ordering for us!)
The buses were proceeded by law enforcement vehicles, but what I enjoyed were the Freedom Riders. They are a motorcycle group that escorts every group of servicemen and women returning from deployment. You could feel the ground shaking from their bikes! It was a roar. Nothing like a large group of bikers to add excitement to an event! Following the Freedom Riders, we could see the buses arriving!
Zach texted us that he thought he was on the third bus, and it seemed like soldiers were just pouring out of the buses, one after another. They were all in uniform, and wearing caps, so it was hard to see who was who.
Finally, we found our soldier!
Renia's sister Jen also returned home. Here are Renia, Jen, and Addison.
A picnic ensued, followed by a ceremony, and parades. Here's Matthew at the beginning of the ceremony. Later, he layed down on the floor with his blanket, sucked his thumb, and fell asleep for an hour during the ceremony.
So glad to have Zach and all the soldiers safely home. More in the days to come about other activities!
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