A soldiers homecoming

I watched from ground level the outpouring of emotions and honor being shown for a local soldier who lost his live defending our ideals. US Army Cpl. Nick Roush was 22 years old from a local community just miles south of Grand Rapids.

I didn't know him or the family personally but have met families and friends in the same situation. I returned from Vietnam in 1969. I watched the home coming of many caskets. Had friends that would never live to see life pleasures.

I can only say the treatment of these young men is well deserved. Unless you have been in harms way you have no idea what or how you will react under fire.

The community support is key to getting the medical attention these young heros need. Integration back into our society is not an easy task mentally or physically if they have been wounded.

Here are some of the photos from my camera phone. The procession was miles long. It extended from one community to another. Flags, honor guard, news media all covered the procession with honor and dignity. My normal commute to a local community to check on one of my listings took nearly 1 1/2 hours, normally it would have been a 30 minute non eventful trip.

Cpl. Nick Roush was a life long resident of Middleville Michigan a small communitiy with close family values. The motorcade to his church was a testiment to the deep feelings throughout the communities and business districts it passed. Hundreds of people lined the roads with flags, some with signs others with tears and a wave as the procession passed by.

Everyone would rather see these men and women come home to open arms of joy, to their parents, wives, husbands and children. When they sacrifice everything they have to give with their lives it is hard to just say...."Thank You" when so much more is deserved.