GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Vietnam War veteran Lee Jones paused to wipe the tears from his eyes. He had just flown home for Thanksgiving after visiting his son in the Netherlands, who is in the Army.
He was stunned and overwhelmed with what he found when he got off the plane, he said.
Waiting for him at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport was a concourse lined with people to welcome him home.
"Little children and the adults and everything," he said. "It was outstanding. I'm so thankful to be an American."
On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the Patriot Guard Riders and volunteers participated in Operation Handshake, an annual event to welcome home returning military members and veterans and to thank them for their service.
From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., volunteers lined each side of the concourse with flags, signs and thank-you notes.
"This is what Thanksgiving is really all about," said Tony Van Gessel, Area 5 senior ride captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan. "What we see each year is an inspiration. We get a thank you from the military members, but it's also heartwarming for the general traveling public around us to see what transpires."
Van Gessel, also a veteran, said it is important to thank active military personnel and veterans, as people often do not know how much they sacrifice to ensure American freedom. It is especially great to see kids participating.
"It's good to see the kids learning what patriotism is and what respect is for these guys," Van Gessel said.
The kids were making cards to give to the military members and veterans, and the military people appreciated it a lot, he said.
After his warm welcome, Jones shakily put on his glasses so he could read the card someone had handed him.
"Happy Thanksgiving, thank you for your service," he read.
As he walked away from the concourse, Jones said his Thanksgiving could not get any better.