Local heroes honored

Here on the homefront, local heroes were honored today for their service in the war on terror. Members of the Oklahoma National Guard's 279th Infantry were welcomed home with a parade, barbecue and

Saturday, August 28th 2004, 5:46 pm

By: News On 6

Here on the homefront, local heroes were honored today for their service in the war on terror. Members of the Oklahoma National Guard's 279th Infantry were welcomed home with a parade, barbecue and lots of fanfare in Bartlesville this morning. The soldiers spent seven months guarding bases in Afghanistan.

They've actually been back home since August 7th, but the city of Bartlesville wanted to show their appreciation to the troops and didn't want their service to our country to go unnoticed. Today Hundreds of people from law enforcement officers to local schools participated in a parade for the Army's 279th Infantry. Hundreds more lined the streets with flags and patriotic signs to watch and wave to their local heroes.

The parade ended with a barbecue at the national guard armory where families and friends gathered. Many of the soldiers say they appreciate the support from their loved ones as well as the community but never imagined this kind of welcome.

Staff Sgt Lance Reynesor Oklahoma National Guard "This was a total surprise to us. The city of Bartlesville came to the recruiter and said we wanted to do something for the guys coming back." "I'm glad to be home. I never thought I'd miss Oklahoma so much in my life."

We saw many soldiers holding their children just happy to be with their families and home again.