VIDEO: A Hero's Welcome

Army Spc. Matthew Shea, son of Michele and Ricky Shea, was welcomed home from a one-year tour in Afghanistan on Thursday with crowds of people lining the streets in Moodus.

The Moodus Fife and Drum Corps set the patriotic tone as revelers waved flags and cheered for the soldier's return. The majority of onlookers were town residents who did not know Shea personally, but felt strongly about supporting our soldiers. 

The procession through Moodus began at the post office, continued past the Grist Mill Market, turned left at the Moodus green and headed down towards the old middle school, stopping part way down.

There, Shea exited the pale green 1969 Buick Skylark convertible he rode with girlfriend Jessica Bartunekin. First Selectman Mark Walter made a proclamation, thanking Shea for his service and deeming July 22, 2011 as Matthew A. Shea Day. (see video)

Shea joined the Army upon graduating from Nathan Hale-Ray High School in 2009.