Hats off to Trenton, New Jersey whose citizens welcomed home approximately 1,600 troops who just returned from a 10-month vigil in Iraq. The city celebrated their homecoming with a ceremony and parade, ending at the Sovereign Bank Arena where parents, spouses and children awaited them.

Trenton-ians came out by the droves to watch the festivities, and cheer on the nation’s, and their local, heroes. They lined the sidewalks, leaned over balconies and crowded the Sovereign Bank Arena. With flags a flurry, they honored the troops while marching local high school bands played on.

Both Governor Jon S. Corzine and Glenn K. Rieth, Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard, spoke welcoming words and participated in the city’s festivities. All 2,875 of the National Guard 50th Infantry Brigade deployed to Iraq in 2008 came home safe.. No casualties. That’s cause for celebration, for sure.

The culmination of excitement from the event was evident as the troops entered the Sovereign Bank Arena. Screaming could be heard from the stands as loved ones recognized husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters in the sea of khaki uniforms. They all had been watching the proceedings on the arena’s large screens. The music blasting in the arena only added to the already electric atmosphere.

We here at Roost welcome home Trenton’s brave men and women, and salute the patriotism of Trenton.