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FOUR
COMMUNITIES INVOLVED IN MARINE'S WELCOME HOME |
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Saturday, June 26th, Marine Lcpl. Miguel Moreno returned
home for leave from two deployments in Afghanistan. His remaining
tour will be stateside. Several communities, in cooperation with
God Bless The Troops participated in a SURPRISE
welcome home for this brave Marine.
We escorted Marine Moreno down Mannheim Road where he was greeted
by passing motorists, blowing their horns, smiling, waving. Some
even saluted.
Once in Leyden Township
- we witnessed the first of many moving tributes. Two ladder trucks,
one from Northlake and the other from Leyden Township were extended
over Mannheim Road with a flag draped down.
If that didn't cause a few tears, perched atop the ladders were
two firemen, while other firemen saluted and village staff, and
some citizens stood nearby taking pictures and waving...
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photos by r. mcguire
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Escort Participants |
| Northlake
Police & Fire
Leyden Township Fire Protection
Franklin Park Police & Fire Departments
Schiller Park Police & Fire
Leyden Township and Public Works
Veteran's Park District
Melrose Park Police & Fire
American Legion Post 974
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| Special
thanks to Franklin Park Comm. Phil Ruch for leading the staging
for the Escort! |
These patriotic Americans
waited patiently on this warm, sunny Saturday to
show their appreciation to this fine Marine.
photo by Marty Smith III |
Some even constructed handmade signs to welcome
him home.
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The look of pure amazement... |
When
the Parade turned west on Fullerton, Marine Moreno was first greeted
by his Mom, and the rest of his family - then a citizens' flagline
that stretched from Mannheim to Wolf, and north to the High School.
To Miguel's added surprise, the Escort made its' way to West Leyden
High School for a Rally in his honor and for two local fallen
heroes and their families.
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We were greeted at the school
by American Legion Post 888 & Post 974 Color and Honor Guard,
who escorted us in to the Field House, where everyone was welcomed
by God Bless The Troops Founders, Mark & Amy Titre and Executive
Director and local resident, Rhonda McGuire.
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| Colors were posted by the
Color Guard, then the Rally opened with the Star-Spangled Banner,
performed by the Leyden H.S. Band, led by Ms. Tara Cappelletti,
along with the School Color/Flag Guard. The group participated in
The Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for all service
members who have fallen in battle, who have served past, present
and those in the future. While the guests remained standing, all
expressed their gratitude with applause for all the veterans who
were present for the Rally. |
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then ... The crowd showed their appreciation to the first guest
of honor, Marine Lcpl. Miguel Moreno; followed by a brief bio
of how GBTT came to recognize "their Marine". A 2007
Graduate of East Leyden High School, Marine Moreno played football
with the Exec. Directors' son Nathan, both through the Pop-Warner
Leyden Bears Football team and Leyden Eagles H.S. Football team.
Following
a boisterous round of applause, whoops and cheers by friends,
family and strangers alike, God Bless The Troops presented Lcpl.
Moreno with The Defender Print, funded personally
by Leyden 212 Superintendent Dr. Kathryn Robbins, a great patriot
and supporter of the Troops. |
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School
Board President Greg Ignoffo, presented Marine Moreno with a Certificate
of Recognition, as he thanked him for serving our country selflessly.
This was followed by the Band playing the "Leyden School
Song".
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| It was at this
time that the Marine Lcpl. was asked to say a few words. "I
just want to thank everyone for coming. This was a total surprise
to me. I would have never expected anything
like this. It's only something you see on TV. And now its' happened
to me. I can't thank you all enough for welcoming me home."
Which of course was interjected mid- and end with celebratory applause.
(paraphrased) |
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Our
attention was then turned to a more solemn privilege, as Mark
Titre took the podium to welcome our Gold Star Families, The Sheltons
and Alcozers.
Mr. Shelton briefly thanked everyone for remembering his son,
and Mr. Jesse Alcozer shared how they are a military family, and
how he also had served in the Army. He talked about how grateful
he was that today's soldiers are being properly acknowledged and
honored.
There are no words to express our gratitude for the sacrifices
they, and their soldier-sons have made for our freedom.
The Rally concluded with many thanks to all who participated in
making the day possible, then the Color Guard Commander, Joseph
Houdek addressed the crowd, instructing that any time the American
Flag passes before us, if we are civilian, our hands should be
placed over our hearts; if we are military in uniform, it should
be saluted; and if we are military out of uniform then we should
stand at attention.
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The Colors were resigned and the
Guard exited the Field House, while the Band played a military
medley.
A reception line formed to greet Marine Lcpl. Moreno and to thank
the Sheltons and Alcozers. And as the flagline dispersed, and
the Rally concluded - this day would long be inscribed into the
memories of all those who took part. A community-wide effort that
would not soon be forgotten...
article
by r. mcguire |
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Click
the links above to explore the event pictures and videos. You
can also find more on Facebook. Search for "God Bless The
Troops".
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| The
Two Soldiers We Were Privileged to Honor |
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Thanks for getting involved!
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