A Heroes' Welcome at Hanscom

Joined by Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and Rep. Jay Kaufman, Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds and other military brass welcomed a large crowd to the "Heroes Homecoming" celebration at Hanscom Field Air Force Base yesterday afternoon.

The event was in honor of military and civilian personnel who have returned from deployment overseas since December 2009, and about 50 men and women marched through the crowd to receive medals from Bowlds.

Murray saluted the returning veterans, saying because of their service, the commonwealth, indeed the country, remains free.

"I can't thank you enough for your willingness to stand up and serve," said Murray. "It transcends party and politics. Massachusetts is the best state for taking care of our military and their families."

Murray said since the war on terror began after Sept. 11, 2001, some 30,000 men and women from Massachusetts have served overseas.

Bowlds said the soldiers were deployed to an "area of the world that has been in turmoil for 4,000 years."

Rep. Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington) was on hand representing the 15th Middlesex Congressional District, comprised of Lexington, Arlington and Woburn.

"It is a perfect weather day, for a very moving and important chance to say thank you to men and women we have sent off to fight for our way of life," said Kaufman.

There were rides and amusements for young children as well as food, souvenirs and military-related items for sale at the carnival-style event.

"Every six months, they have stepped up and gone overseas," said Bowlds. "And to the families of these men and women, I say you have the toughest mission as you wait and worry about their safety."

Bowlds thanked the soldiers and their families for their "unrecognized sacrifice for Hanscom, for the Air Force and the United States."

Also on hand were Medal of Honor winner Thomas Hudner of Concord, and former Red Sox ace catcher Bob Montgomery, who said he was "honored to be here."

With July 4 is coming up, "because of your work and your efforts, you allow us to continue to celebrate our independence," Montgomery said.