02 September 2012

Welcome Home Gentlemen

Welcoming committee, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

I was part of such an extraordinary homecoming event last night. My friend Mary Lamb had passed me in the hall at work last week and said if I wasn't doing anything on Saturday night I might like to take some pictures at a BBQ at her house. I didn't commit to anything until I took a look at the facebook page that had been set up. Holy cow. I was completely blown away and honored to be included.

A young man who they had known since childhood was coming back from serving in Afghanistan for eight months. He was landing with forty four other marines for their debriefing before they headed home. They were put up overnight at Wild Dunes and he got special permission to bring the entire group to Mary & Mark's home in Mt. Pleasant for a backyard BBQ.

When word got out the event blew up. Who gets to be part of something like this? We got to hug these boys before they even got home. A trolly was donated to pick them up, kegs of beer, welcome home cakes, a blue grass band and a motorcycle escort appeared. The VFW decorated the road with flags, kids painted Welcome Home posters. Neighborhood friends decorated and brought cookies. Publix, Piggly Wiggly, Gilligans and Atlantic Bread Company sent over platters of food among others. I emailed Channel 2 and Haley Hernandez was waiting to record the welcome.

The marines were completely stunned by the unexpected welcome. As one of the mothers waiting for news said on facebook, "this was the first real food they have had since January" and she thanked Mary and Mark on behalf of all the boy's mothers. Mary and Mark are pictured in the bottom photo on the right. Thanks for including me!






11 comments:

Kate said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! I,too, am happy that you were included and got to take some photos so we all can celebrate the event. What a terrific BBQ...large hearts. Tell Mary that I am impressed that she opened her house and heart to so many people to celebrate the return of all those marines.

Anonymous said...

I do not know Mark but have known Mary for years. While their gesture does not surprise me, it does bring joy to me. Thanks, Marines, for your service! Thanks Mark and Mary for coordinating the efforts to recognize that service and make the Marines feel at home. To the generous contributors (including you Joan!) thanks for making such a warm welcome possible. Loved this one! Trish Jarrell

Charlestonjoan said...

I am so happy I was invited. I am still absorbing it all. I loved hearing the guys talking about the excitement of seeing their wives, families and kids. There are some happy families today as they all get home.

Charlestonjoan said...

It doesn't surprise me either but this was entirely amazing!

Tish Murphy said...

Just wonderful!

chuckography said...

Semper Fi, Marines!

Les said...

What a fantastic story!

Pixel Peeper said...

What a great story!

Pat said...

How nice! Leave it to Mary...great lady.

SCSue said...

You bring tears to my eyes! I'm so grateful to the men who serve and to my fellow Americans who so generously welcome them home!

Charlestonjoan said...

It was amazing. I feel very lucky to have been included.