How to Stage a "Hero's Welcome"
A soldier's job almost always calls for him to spend time away from home, often living and working in hostile environments. It's not easy, but he does it because he made a commitment to protect his country. Show a soldier how much you appreciate this service by planning a hero's welcome for his homecoming. These celebrations are usually held right at the airport or port where he's returning, and are full of flags, fanfare and family members there to show they care. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find out exactly when and where the soldier is coming home. If he's arriving at the airport, check which terminal, or find which port his ship is set to dock at. While he might be delayed in travel, it's better to be early than to miss his homecoming all together.
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Invite community members to join you in welcoming the soldier home. Start by asking friends and family members to attend, including those from out of the area. The soldier won't expect to see them there, which will make the event even more special. Also, consider inviting local dignitaries to the hero's welcome. They should be proud to join in the festivities and welcoming him home.
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Create mobile decorations for the event. This should include handheld posters with his name on it, as well as words of thanks for his service. Blow up colorful balloons, and buy face paint to decorate children in red, white and blue. Make sure everyone will have a small flag to wave when the soldier first arrives back in his country.
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Coordinate a band to play at the event. Ask a community orchestra to participate or invite the high school band to perform. Request that they play upbeat patriotic tunes, or even the soldier's favorite rock songs. Whatever music is played, it will add to the surprise and fanfare of the event. Just check with someone at the airport or port first to get permission for the live performance.
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Arrange the group in a spot where the soldier can easily spot them when he gets off the plane or ship. Invite other people waiting for their friends or family members to join in the festivities, too, by handing them flags or asking them to cheer when he arrives. Many citizens will be happy to share in giving thanks to those serving their country.
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Celebrate when the hero first steps back onto his homeland. Cheer, applaud, shake his hand, give him a hug or plant a kiss on his cheek. Tell the soldier you welcome him home and why you're grateful he served. Capture the moment by taking pictures of his reaction. After his hero's welcome, take the soldier and guests to his favorite restaurant or back home to a barbecue.
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Tips & Warnings
When inviting others to get involved with the hero's welcome, make it clear it will be a joyful event aimed at welcoming the soldier home. Ask them to refrain from any political debates or voicing their opinions on where or why he was serving.
References
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