Thousands welcome twice-injured Marine back home

Thousands welcome twice-injured Marine back home

Injured Marine Sgt. Ben Tomlinson is greeted by members of an honor guard following a welcome home celebration Wednesday in his hometown of Jacksonville. His father, Chuck Tomlinson, is pushing the wheelchair. / DAVE MARTIN/AP

Written by
Jay Reeves
The Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE -- A Marine twice injured in Afghanistan received a hero's welcome Wednesday from thousands of well-wishers waving flags and cheering in his Alabama hometown.

Sgt. Ben Tomlinson grinned widely from the family's minivan as a motorcade led by a long line of police cars roared into the city square in Jacksonville for a brief ceremony that included the mayor's declaration of "Ben Tomlinson Day." The one-time all-county football player and track athlete was shot in the chest on patrol about eight months ago during his second deployment to the country.

Two fire trucks held aloft a big flag between ladders, and motorcycle riders stood at attention with more flags. Elementary school students lined the streets.
read more here