Welcome Home My Son - BY: Em-Oh-Em

I had a woman on one of my MOM boards ask for a Welcome Home poem from a Marine Mom to a Marine… I became inspired as I never EVER again want another military member to come back home and not feel WELCOMED HOME… I always tell every VET I meet, Welcome Home and give them a huge hug… ya know… Marines are required to give Marine Moms hugs, and once a Marine / Marine Mom always a Marine / Marine Mom… my son is with the 3/5 and will be home within the month and I wanted to share this with you… if you feel its good enough to share with the world, you have my permission to use it.

Welcome Home
By: Marge Murphy

Welcome Home, my Hero, my boy, my Son
You’ve been through a lot, of this I’m assured.
For both of us it’s been a very long time
The good of what you’ve done yet to be heard.



I watched you as you gathered  the things you would need
Seeing your excitement,  innocence glowing in your eyes.
Not wanting you to do this, not wanting you to grow up
I sat in your room, biting my lip, saying our goodbyes.



You went to build sand castles across the sea
Your goals were to give Freedom to the oppressed
With the best of intentions for people of that land
In your cammies, with weapons and backpacks you dressed.



September went quickly, even though you were far away
The phone calls and emails came often enough.
October flew by, but I could tell things were picking up
And I realized, with dread, the next month would be tough.



November came with news that our guys were in Fallujah.
I sat glued to the TV, watching the news day and night.
Watched as our guys went door to door, house to house
Finding insurgents who on this city were a blight.



During this time, news came we lost some good men
To name a few, Blecksmith, Kirk, Smith, your roommate Kielion
These were hard times, not only for you guys, but also for us.
Sitting by the TV biting our fingers and watching the news that was on.



December finally dawned, another blow – I heard it was Rund.
These awesome men gave it all, for their country and kin
We will always remember their sacrifice, hold their memories dear.
We are hoping for peace, for all of us this would be a win.



We thank YOU for the gift YOU have bestowed upon us
So we could tuck our children into bed each night without fear.
January finally dawned and we counted down the days
’til the Iraqi people cast their vote, the elections drew near.



People stood up to be counted, braved the lines, made a stand
You helped all this happen, you stood guard, WE took note.
Americans felt vindicated, stood up taller, filled with pride
This was "Important beyond our wildest dreams" it was wrote.



The Iraqi people showed the world that they were truly strong
Knew what they wanted, or are learning, hopefully history will tell.
Time to brush the dirt from your britches, shake off your hat
Gather your weapons, dump sand outta your boots and leave that hell.


Come back to those that love you, thankful for your service
Come back to America, amid loud hollers and hoots.
When you come back to California, I will be standing there waiting
We, Moms & Dads, will be waiting for the sound of your boots.



How many grey hairs you have given me, nobody knows
Longing to hold you close, see your smile, count your fingers and toes
Knowing you are on US soil again will put a spring in my step
and knowing you have done your part in slowing America's foes


YOU are MY HERO, my only boy, YOU ARE MY SON
Freedom is secure because of you warriors, WE have seen
You stand with those men who have always given their best
You are one of the few, the proud, a UNITED STATES MARINE.