Freedom Salute Campaign at APG Honors National Guard

Upon returning from overseas, soldiers sometimes meet crowds at the airport welcoming them home. The celebration continued for one unit of Maryland's National Guard, whose members were recognized weeks after their return, according to WJZ.

The event was part of the "Freedom Salute Campaign," which honors soldiers coming home from Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Since 2003 when the campaign began, it has recognized more than 100,000 people with special ceremonies complete with banners and elected officials, who present soldiers with certificates, medallions and commemorative coins, according to the U.S. Army.

Maryland National Guard members honored with the Freedom Salute Campaign ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground recently were recognized for their nine months of service in Afghanistan, where they transported troops and supplies by air, WJZ reported.