Thousands in Houston welcome home Iraq war vets

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http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2012/04/thousands-in-houston-welcome-home-iraq-war-vets/#4303-6

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.
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“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.”
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“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.

Adults and children alike held signs thanking the troops while cheering as the veterans walked down Texas Avenue.

“I love the support of the community coming out,” Navy veteran Kelly Wilson said.
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[ScreamingMeemie]

1. It was awesome to see so many of them at the Astros game today.

[onestepforward]

2. Awww

That is so cool!

Did you get to see the pre-game ceremony?

[fox09]

3. Too little too late

Too little too late. My friend died in Iraq in 07, something that shouldn't of happened. Makes me mad that people wave the flag at the troops just as eagerly as they send them off to a criminal war. Another friend who served in Iraq in 07 is now in Afghanistan, I wonder when these petulant first term so-called conservatives will do anything to end that war.

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. This 'people' did not eagerly send them anywhere.

I am sorry for your loss.
I am glad that these soldiers have come home.

[fox09]

8. Pehraps..

To follow up on what you said and the other gent, It's a good tradition, and perhaps these folks weren't solely responsible for the war. We all are in my view. I suppose the real question is did it really matter if the people wanted the war or not. I'll leave that for another day, this is a celebration, even if it is bitter sweet for some such as myself.

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6. My sincere condolences for the loss of your friend.

Many people protested the Iraq war before it started. I was one of them.

It is a tradition in our country to welcome home our troops after a war. I'm very happy to see many cities in our country doing just that and I look forward to welcome home parades when the Afghanistan war ends, which IMHO, could not be soon enough.

[Bragi]

4. Next week: Houston to celebrate inner-city teachers and social workers

Just kidding. These brave people won't ever get a parade.

[onestepforward]

7. The first welcome home parade was in St. Louis.

It wasn't organized by the city, but by two friends.

[white cloud]

9. Thanks for what you do Bragi

You are correct...Hard work and no thanks, or parade.