Rathburne (FF 1057) - Naval Cruise Book

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welcome at the White House. It was now America's turn to welcome them home. ln a motorcade of 16 buses, the former hostages and their families began the 12-mile journey through a sea of waving hands and smiling faces. There were signs, yellow ribbons, and red, white and blue everywhere. I Half a million fellow countrymen lined the traditional parade route along Penn sylvania Avenue. It was an emotional outpouring unlike anything seen here in years. Swarming crowds twice brought the procession to a halt as the ex hostages waved, threw kisses and wiped back tears. And with their smiles they thanked America. At the White House, President Ronald Reagan officially welcomed them home, he thanked them for making us proud to be Americans. The ceremony ended with a chorus ol God Bless America, with the words coming from the heart. . D xv I , Ch. 5,5 . th lora

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Wellcconiiitae Home th free . America proudly reached out to wel- come home the recently released hos- tages in a spontaneous celebration of freedom-a celebration that marked the end of the hostages' 444-day ordeal. It was a surge of patriotism for America. Arriving at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., after a few days of private family reunions at West Point, N.Y., the freed Americans were greeted by Vice President George Bush. The familiar Tie a Yellow Ribbon, played by the Navy band, was heard faintly over the cheers and applause of 8,000 welcomers. The freed Americans had a few moments to share hugs, tears and kisses with waiting relatives and friends before departing for an official I C5 1' ' 9 , . 5, .-r . . - O

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5 gg1:4.5:ff 1H g4,',gf - , wi,-fA, ', -:A -1 gg: -f41.,Q,g f -- -4,m'- 1' Y X-N-f.,.,' V :f-, 41 - ...wp At L Q - -in-gy. H - I 'gn ,xg R Y ., og . I I 4 . - Story and photos by PH 1 Jim Preston and PH2 Bob Hamilron