Marine Cpl. Todd Love knew there were people waiting for him at the McCollum Airport in Kennesaw and back home in Acworth, but he had no idea there were hundreds of them. A large crowd of people cheered and waved their flags as Marine Cpl. Todd Love’s plane landed at McCollum Airport in Kennesaw Saturday afternoon. Many burst into tears as they hugged their hero.

Love is an Acworth native and a Recon Marine, who lost both legs and his left arm from an IED explosion in October 2010. 

Family, friends, local law enforcement and military support groups escorted Love through the downtown areas of Kennesaw and Acworth to Dallas Landing Park, where the homecoming ceremony was held. Another crowd of more than 300 people waited for their hero’s arrival at the park by Lake Allatoona.

Love joked about his injury, and said he has not lost anything.

'I'm still the same man," said Love. "I was a boy when I left, but now I'm man."

He says he was not expecting such a big crowd, and is not used to being on stage, but he is touched that many showed up to support him.

His family said nothing compares to having him back, and they are very proud of him.

"He's my hero, he's always been, and will always be." said Susanne Romines, Love's grandmother. "I brag about him all the time." She said with a big smile on her face.

The City of Acworth and several military support groups including the Marine Corps League in Woodstock and Wounded Warriors Project in Metro Atlanta, honored Love for his sacrifice and service. Tommy Allegood, Mayor of Acworth, also proclaimed April 9 as Todd Love Day.

Many said Love has inspired them in a special way, and they are honored to be part of the homecoming.

Love is a Kell High School graduate, and also attended North Cobb High School. Many students and alums from both schools attended the homecoming.

Gary Love said his son is a third generation marine, who has followed the family foot steps.

Love will return to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC in a month, and spend at least another year and half there. Love and his family are looking forward to spend some family time in the next 30 days, and are excited to celebrate his 21st birthday together on April 30.