The crowds, with their flags and balloons, anxiously await the arrival of the troops. Smiles, laughter, and tears of joy were evident in Garden City last Friday as troops with the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment returned from Iraq to a hero's welcome at the Marine Reserve Training Center on Stewart Avenue in Garden City.

Preparations for the homecoming began earlier in the day as ladder trucks from local fire departments, including Garden City's own, draped large American Flags from fire truck ladders that crisscrossed over Stewart Avenue.

The Garden City police department played a big role in keeping traffic moving as smoothly as possible, while at the same time allowing for a procession that began with police cars and fire trucks and ended as the chartered buses carrying the troops arrived to the delight of thousands of cheering friends and families.

The troops who are members of Headquarters & Service Company and Weapons Company, left for Iraq in September and spent seven months involved in counter-insurgency missions in Anbar province and trained Iraqi soldiers for combat.

Families cross Stewart Avenue to join in on the fesivities.

An arch of flags were hung over Stewart Avenue by local fire departments. The first bus arrives with a marine displaying the 2/25 flag. One anxious little girl can't wait for her Dad to come back home. Lauren Hatton hugs her boyfriend. Members of various fire departments who were an integral part of the preparations got together for a photo. Members of the 2/25, after exiting the bus. Signs were hung on the ladder trucks. Smiles and hugs were evident. "David" gets a big welcome home hug. Stewart School decorated the fence along Stewart Avenue to welcome the troops. Posing for photos with family and friends.