NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
LOCAL MARINES RETURNING FROM IRAQ TUESDAY NIGHTMayor Stephen R. Reed today reported that 70 U.S. Marines from the Harrisburg area will return from combat deployment in Iraq late on Tuesday night(Oct. 24). They are members of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Regiment, U.S. Marines Corps, which is headquartered in the city. Most of those returning are Marine Reservists. Reed said the returning heroes will land at a New Jersey airport around 9 p.m., and will be driven by bus to Harrisburg. They are expected to arrive in the city around Midnight. The buses will be joined at the Second Street off-ramps of I-83 by city police and fire vehicles, who will escort them to the Reserve facilities at 2991 N. 2nd Street where a brief welcoming ceremony will be held and where they will be reunited with their families. At Market Square in downtown, two aerial towers from the city Fire Bureau will form an inverted V with their extended ladders, from which a large U.S. flag will be extended as part of the formal welcome home. The Marines were deployed in December, 2005, and following advanced combat training, were sent to Iraq. Eleven company members have been injured in combat or by IED’s(Improvised Explosive Devices), but none fatally. Reed said: “These Marines have served their nation well and at great risk to themselves. They deserve a heroes’ welcome. We extend our eternal gratitude to them, for their courage and sacrifice, and to their families who have waited anxiously for their return.” Major William Cook and 1st Sgt. Paul Finn of the company’s Inspector/Instructor Unit are handling the welcome home ceremony at the Reserve Center. |
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