Crowds come out to welcome home Iraq war vets

Crowds come out to welcome home Iraq war vets
By Louis Casiano
Saturday, April 7, 2012

Thousands of supporters lined the streets of downtown Saturday afternoon, cheering and waving American flags to show their appreciation for Iraq veterans at a welcome home parade.

The parade, one of the few held since St. Louis hosted the nation's first in January, kicked off on San Jacinto at 4 p.m., making its way down Texas before turning on Crawford and ending at Minute Maid Park.

Mayor Annise Parker and other local leaders opened the parade and marched alongside the hundreds of veterans.

"This is incredible," said Tony Solomon, Iraq veteran and vice president of operations for the Lone Star Veterans Association.

"It all comes back to you about being an American and everything you fought for and seeing all these civilians here and the color guard and the city behind you, it's a great feeling."

The nonprofit association helps veterans transition into civilian life after deployment.

The parade started with a marching band playing the official songs of each military branch.

Although the festivities were to welcome these service members home, some were there to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"It feels good to see all these people. Texas and Houston are really good supporters of the troops," said Greg, 34, who asked that his last name not be used. His cousin, Army Sgt. Omar Mora, died in Iraq in 2007.
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