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Sam Penrod reporting Patriotism is running high in Southern Utah today, with the return of the Cedar City unit of the Triple Deuce.
The 222nd of the Utah National Guard has been gone for the last 18 months, the last year they have been on the front lines in Iraq.
It seems a lot like the Fourth of July and not just because of the heat.
Red white and blue is everywhere, as well as yellow ribbons and signs that are welcoming home Southern Utah's Triple Deuce.
And today it's a community celebration after their safe return.
"Hi princess. How are you?"
Soldiers of the 222nd got a huge welcome home by their families, including some children still so young they may hardly remember their dad. That's because members of the Triple Deuce have been on active duty for the last 18 months, including the last year on the front lines in Iraq.
Richard Miller/Soldier: "Iraq is a dangerous place. But it is a place that is making progress, and we're very thankful together as a battalion to in some way help the Iraqi people. But it's great to be back in the United States and especially back in Utah."
While the soldiers have deployed, they have not been forgotten. And this afternoon, people lined Cedar City's Main Street to say thanks to the men of the triple deuce. Soldiers say it was the support of the community, that kept them going through dangerous and difficult duty.
Marc Henrie/ Soldier: "As we were walking down in the parade I kept telling my wife, I can't believe how many people showed up to support us. She said that's how it's been the whole time and there is no doubt in my mind that the safety we enjoyed in Iraq was because of the prayers of the people in this community. It was just amazing the turnout and the people that showed up."
For Marc Henrie, he can finally spend time with his son Bryson, born just days before he was deployed.
Marc Henrie: "He can say daddy, he's already 18 months old and he comes up running to me and says daddy and points to me."
Soldiers seeing their families for the first time in months, got choked up on their return.
Stewart Parry/ Soldier: "It's pretty emotional. It's kind of hard to hold back the tears at most points, and I've never had a more exciting plane ride."
A day of celebration and honor, for American soldiers in their hometown, after serving their country, in a far away and hostile place.
Major General Brian L. Tarbet, Utah Army National Guard: "It's a great day, we're very happy to have them home, thank heaven above that they are back. "
Jon Huntsman Jr, Governor of Utah: "We're all kind of one family today in this state. I know that every citizen is proud of the service and dedication of the Triple Deuce."
Soldiers insist it was the support of the community that got them through some rough times and so today is a day for them to say thanks as well..
Stewart Parry, Soldier: "I know that .... We ... Know we would have been able to make it though this without all the support and prayers that everybody gave us, so thank you."
The last remaining units of the Triple Deuce will be home tomorrow. The Richfield battery is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon and the St. George unit will arrive tomorrow night.
