My son returned home on leave Monday night from Iraq and was met by an amazing outpouring of support by this small community. We found yellow ribbons on nearly every tree and lamppost, flags everywhere we looked, signs and posters with messages of support and love, letters from families and schoolchildren. The Mapleton city fire chief met us before we hit town and offered his thanks for my son's service and then proceeded to escort us the remaining way into town with fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances, lights flashing and sirens blaring. There were families lined up on the sidewalk waving at us as we passed by.
We stopped at Mapleton city park where, with flags flying, the mayor, council members and a few choice others expressed thanks for my son's service. Veterans of previous wars embraced him and told him they, of all people, know what he had experienced. There were few dry eyes. My son was overwhelmed and nearly speechless. He will return to his unit at Fort Sill, Okla., with pictures and stories to share with his fellow soldiers. I thank those who have shown their love and support. Your graciousness will be remembered forever.
Nancy B. Athay
Mapleton