Although they started returning on Memorial day, a parade and ceremonies were held in Trenton yesterday to honor the service of our National Guard troops. The largest deployment since World War II returned with the same number they left to serve. Here is video from the Assembly:And here is some video from the Governor's office where he said:
"Today, we are proud to welcome home our heroes one and all," Governor Corzine said. "You have served our state and our nation with dignity, with honor, and with courage. We can only imagine the adversity you faced and the conditions that made your jobs even more difficult. On behalf of all New Jersey's citizens, we thank you for your patriotism and service and we honor the sacrifices of your families. We are fortunate that you have all returned home safely."
I'll put more comments from elected officials, video and photos from the day below the fold. We're glad to have them all back safe and sound, but just because they've returned safely doesn't mean that everything goes back to normal. Let's hope that our elected officials are as interested in caring for them now that they have returned as they were celebrating their arrival.
More than 150 of the troops came from Newark and Mayor Booker was there to honor their return:
"You in the 50th are letting the Liberty Bell ring louder than ever before. You in the 50th are making the Torch of Liberty off the coast of New Jersey shine brighter than ever before," said Mayor Booker. "With open arms, and strong hearts, all of New Jersey is coming together today to tell you that you have not returned home alone. We celebrate you and your families, and continue to bless you, the great State of New Jersey, and America."
Congrsesman Adler, who was there when the troops left for oversees as well and at McGuire when they started to return home, attended yesterday's ceremonies as well:
"Each of you has made this country safer through your work. Thanks to your patriotism and bravery, our freedom and liberty continue to prosper.
"Your families, too, make a great sacrifice through your service. We realize that for every soldier deployed, there is a family supporting them and making sacrifices at home.
"On behalf of all the residents of South Jersey, and this entire state, I thank you for your service."
Minority Leader DeCroce had this to say:
"New Jersey is proud of the honorable service you provide, grateful for the sacrifices you make and thrilled that every soldier who was deployed a year ago has returned home safely.
"We also thank the families you left behind who have made countless sacrifices this past year while separated from loved ones serving this country on foreign soil.
"And although we celebrate today thousands of home comings and family reunions, we should also take a moment to remember the soldiers who continue to serve our country overseas and those who will never return."
And Speaker Roberts sent out this statement calling the soldiers "the pride of our state":
"Today New Jersey offers a well-deserved hero's welcome to the men and women who selflessly gave their time, sweat and greatest efforts to fight for the freedoms we too-often take for granted.
"As we thank our returning troops for their service to our state and nation, we also thank the countless family members who never once waivered in their support, even as their loved ones put their lives on the line each day.
"On behalf of each of the members of the General Assembly, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every single guardsman and guardswoman.
"These citizen-soldiers simply are the pride of our state."
These soldiers will need more than words now that they are returning to civilian life. Let's hope the actions of our elected officials going forward matches the praise they are giving at the moment. The words are the easy part.
