welcome home!

Battalion that lost 48 members returns to cheers
A Marine waves as supporters cheer his return Thursday, in Brook Park, Ohio.

Friday, October 7, 2005; Posted: 11:01 a.m. EDT (15:01 GMT)

BROOK PARK, Ohio (AP) -- A Marine Corps battalion that lost 48 members in Iraq arrived home Thursday to cheers and a parade attended by thousands of people.
Crowds lined the one-mile parade route from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to welcome back the 160 members of the Headquarters & Service Company of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines.
The route led to a recreation center where the Marines could enjoy private reunions with friends and family.
"I'm really excited to see him," said Melissa Schlabach, 25, who brought her 21/2-year old son, Josh, to welcome home her brother, Cpl. Brent Monastra, 23, of Canton. "Growing up with him you don't realize what you have until he's not around."
The Marines' fallen comrades were on their minds as they returned.......................

i mean this from the bottom of my heart - WELCOME HOME