Gotta Watch: Military homecomings
A father and son hug after dad returns home in 2011.
May 27th, 2012
09:46 AM ET

Gotta Watch: Military homecomings

On Memorial Day this Monday, the United States will remember troops who died serving their country. The holiday originally started in Waterloo in 1866 to honor those who died in the Civil War.

The last U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in December. Just days ago, NATO agreed on a withdrawal of U.S.-led international military forces from Afghanistan by 2014. In honor of the contributions that U.S. troops have made to the country, watch some of our favorite military homecomings.

Welcome home

Military homecomings bring out lots of feelings among family members. This compilation of reunions will tug at your heartstrings. Which one is your favorite?

School surprise

When a soldier returns after being in Iraq for a year, he shows up at his children’s elementary school to surprise them. See the son’s emotional reaction at :25 and the daughter’s response at 1:20.

Walking to dad

This was one of the most popular videos on CNN.com earlier this month. A boy with cerebral palsy was told that he wouldn’t walk, but he surprises his Marine dad by walking to him at his homecoming. The son had been working on it for months, but the family kept the new ability a secret from his dad.

Canine love

Humans aren’t the only ones who miss military members while they’re away. These dogs are ecstatic to see their owners return. Watch how macho soldiers are reduced to baby talk with their beloved pets.

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Filed under: Gotta Watch • Iraq War • Marines • Military
soundoff (50 Responses)
  1. Pete

    I salute you "Glen"and all the others ,alive or deceased, veterans ,and those still serving militarily over seas and stateside,thanks so much,America does care.Glen ,you take care and enjoy those kids!!!

    May 28, 2012 at 2:39 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Jenna

    Hey CNN – couldn't you skip the commercials on these videos just for ONCE since it is Memorial Day and we are HONORING these men and women who serve and protect?

    May 28, 2012 at 2:39 pm | Report abuse |
    • midranger

      Well said Jenna....

      May 29, 2012 at 4:39 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Chris

    Wish I coulda seen these, but I refuse to watch commercials on my pc. Thanks for the fail, CNN. Not EVERY single video clip must have a commercial. Its the main reason I avoid this site, even though I am starved for news. ANYTHING except another commercial, please.

    May 29, 2012 at 1:45 pm | Report abuse |
  4. normal american

    when are we going to show the normal people that go to work every day and cant see there kids becaus there in bed every night. there the real hero's. if they didn't pay there taxes the people that choose the military for there career would not get all the lime light!

    May 29, 2012 at 4:40 pm | Report abuse |
  5. John

    When that boy with Cl walked to hid dad I balled my eyes out

    May 30, 2012 at 8:01 am | Report abuse |
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