Welcome Home Soldier

   You are so happy your soldier is coming home, and you want all the family and friends to show their support as well, but for this type of party a little space is necessary, and adjustment time is required before the returning hero is overwhelmed with a lot of people and fuss.

   Most soldiers look forward to their homecoming from the day they depart, but the reality is a lot different than the fantasy. They come back with a different attitude, and sometimes personality, than when they left and they need time to adjust to a “normal” life. Make sure your friends and family understand this, and that you don’t overwhelm your soldier with too much at the beginning – especially questions about what they’ve been through. That’s a life they most often need to keep separate from their family life. When they are ready they will talk, but don’t’ force them.

   Plan your welcome home party for at least a couple weeks after your soldier returns. Perhaps the first party should be just intimate friends and family, and later on a larger bash can be arranged. Keep it simple! Prepare the foods your returning hero/heroine have always liked (no catered affair), and don’t make too much of a fuss (which doesn’t mean you can’t shower them with attention and love). Keep in mind they have been living off K-rats for months and want a home cooked meal above all else.

   Red, White and Blue – along with the flag for décor is always appropriate. Keeping in mind that camouflage is what they have been seeing and wearing for months, you may want to forego adding this color scheme as a decoration. After all, a party is time to take away the memories of some of the horrors they have experienced and put themselves at ease instead of on-guard.

   Present your loved one with a good memory. Frame a photo of him or her in a special frame. Pictures of them with their buddies or family members are always appropriate.

   Enjoy the fact that they have returned, and allow time to heal everything that both your soldier, and your family, has been through. Welcome Home Soldier!

(P.S.  This article is personal, and a departure from our normal light-hearted party ideas because the author is a Marine widow whose spouse experienced combat. This is written from experience, and although the need to show your loved one they were missed is overpowering, the need to respect their need to readjust to life back home should be taken into consideration as well. God Bless our Troops!)

Posted by Toni Lawrence at 7/22/2010 12:53 PM
Categories: Awards/Recognitions, Seasonal Events/Themes
Tags: Welcome Home soldiers soldier returning hero
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