Arrival Time Update: Acworth Getting Ready to Welcome Hero Home
A homecoming event for Marine Corporal Todd Love is scheduled for Saturday.
UPDATED 3:25 p.m., April 8
The Acworth community is getting ready for the homecoming of Cpl. Todd Love. Love is an Acworth native and a Recon Marine, who suffered severe injuries sustained from an IED explosion while on duty in Afghanistan in October 2010. As a result of the explosion, Love lost parts of both legs and his left arm.
"I can't be more excited about my son coming home," said Gary Love, father of the corporal. "We wanted to make sure he gets the warm welcome he deserves."
Love's family said Friday that the corporal's arrival time at McCollum Airport has been pushed to after 3 p.m. on Saturday.
"He was sent to Afghanistan last April," said Gary Love. "This would be his first time coming home."
Following the welcome at the airport, the Patriot Guard, several military support groups, local motorcycle groups, and the Acworth Police Department along with other local police jurisdictions will escort Love from the airport to Dallas Landing Park in Acworth. The departure route will be Old U.S. Hwy 41/Georgia 293 through Kennesaw and Acworth to Dallas Landing Park.
Residents who are not able to ride along, but would like to be part of the homecoming, can stand alongside Kennesaw Main Street or Acworth Main Street, as Love travels through the downtown areas of both cities.
"Corporal Love is a true hometown hero," said Tommy Allegood, Mayor of Acworth. "We're really excited about rolling out the red carpet for him."
Gary Love said his son is a third generation Marine, and has followed the family foot steps to serve his country.
"He has sacrificed a lot for this country, and we should all show our respect and patriotism." said Gary Love.
"We are grateful that we have someone to point to and be able to say, that's our hero." said Allegood.
Love is a Kell High School graduate, and also attended North Cobb High School. His father said both schools will be present at Saturday's homecoming.
The City of Acworth is inviting the public to help welcome Love by lining streets, decorating storefronts, or attending the homecoming event at Dallas Landing Park. Parking will be limited at the park. Additional parking within walking distance from Dallas Landing Park is available in downtown Acworth.
Debbie Holcomb
10:45 am on Friday, April 8, 2011
Welcome home, Corp. Love!! Thank you for your service and for going beyond anything most of us can even imagine! I know your family is proud of you, as are the rest of us that do not even know you. We are all thankful to have you back with your family.
Donna Ray
2:56 pm on Friday, April 8, 2011
Welcome home, Corp. Love!! God Bless You!! Thank you for your sacrifice!!
Annette Vann
12:13 am on Saturday, April 9, 2011
Todd, it's great news that you're coming home!! I know it's been a long journey for you but you are truly an inspiration to others. Your determination and grit demonstrates how we should all approach life. You have made a huge sacrifice while serving our country and I for one am honored to know you. God bless you and I hope to see you soon at Summit.
Sue Thuresson
8:36 am on Saturday, April 9, 2011
Mr. Love, a BIG thank you, and welcome home !! Stand Proud, p.s. get some rest.
Cindy McGrath
9:33 am on Saturday, April 9, 2011
Welcome Home...May Our Lord hold you and your Family a little closer....Thanks You for all your service
and sacrifice. Cindy McGrath (Mother a Marine)
John
12:02 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2011
SEMPER FI , MY BROTHER , SEMPER FI
Angela Chao
6:25 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2011
Hundreds showed up at McCollum Airport in Kennesaw & Dallas Landing Park in Acworth for Cpl. Love's homecoming. It was an emotional and yet happy day for Love's family, friends & everyone who came out to welcome him home. Cpl. Love said he's not used to be put on stage, but is very touched that so many people came to support him. A Patch video story is in the making. Let us know if you attended the homecoming today!
MONICA GRAHAM
9:29 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2011
I WAS BLESSED TO BE A PART OF THIS HOMECOMING THANK YOU CPL TODD LOVE
Mary Bishop
6:56 am on Sunday, April 10, 2011
I would have not missed this celebration for Marine CPL Todd Love for ANYTHING YESTERDAY ~ IT WAS SUCH A BLESSING TO BE ABLE TO MEET HIM ~ GET A HUG AND KISS FROM HIM AND HIS DAD AND . . . ALSO TO BE SITTING ON THE FRONT ROW, RIGHT NEXT TO HIS GRANDMA!!!
W. Kevin Ward
9:08 pm on Sunday, April 10, 2011
This young man exemplifies what our soldiers are about. I was honored to be a part with the 1st Brigade of the Georgia State Defense Force to celebrate the courage, character and commitment of CPL Todd Love! Thanks for your service and sacrifice CPL Love and welcome home!
PFC W. Kevin Ward
3BN/1BDE, GASDF