Airman First Class Dan Williams received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday night when he returned to his Cinnaminson home.
Williams, soon to be promoted to Staff Sergeant, arrived to his home Wednesday where hundreds of family, friends and neighbors lined the street waving flags.
Williams was given an escort by the Cinnaminson Police Department, Cinnaminson Fire Department and dozens of motorcycles from multiple veterans groups.
Cinnaminson Mayor John McCarthy presented a proclamation from the township to Williams.
McCarthy, choking back tears, thanked Williams for giving him, his children and the community the freedom to live their lives safely.
“First, personally, for my wife and three kids; thank you for allowing us to sleep peacefully, go to work, to school and come home safely every day.”
“On behalf of Cinnaminson Township committee and the township, we say thank you. I don’t have to read the proclamation. Essentially Dan, it says thank you for a job well done. Thank you for your sacrifice. Welcome home and all the best.”
Also in attendance from township council were Anthony Minniti and Ben Young.
Operation Yellow Ribbon put the homecoming ceremony together, surprising the Air Force mechanic and thanking him for his service.
Williams received care packages and gifts from various organizations and a proclamation from the office of Congressman Tom MacArthur via Bob Smyth.
“I’d like to say on the behalf of Congressman Tom MacArthur, thank you for your service,” Smyth said.
“Welcome home and I hope you do well in the future. Since you’re going to be a sergeant, congratulations on that too.”
Veterans in attendance to welcome Williams home also presented him with an Air Force flag that they draped over his shoulders as a cape.
“The whole reason I came home was for a wedding for my best friend,” Williams said. “I do appreciate all you guys coming out for me. I see a lot of familiar faces.”
“It’s pretty awesome to come home to this. I’m just some guy who turns a wrench on an aircraft. It’s pretty cool to come home and see the great old American flag and all this. Thank you so much to everybody.”
All those who spoke Wednesday night reminded everyone in attendance that Williams was not the only one who made sacrifices when he joined the Air Force.
Williams’ parents, Marty and Donna Williams, and his brother Joe and sister-in-law Colleen were also thanked for their sacrifice and commitment to Dan’s service.
You can view the full video of the ceremony in the tweet below.
LIVE on #Periscope: A hero's welcome for Cinnaminson resident Air Force Staff Sergeant Daniel S. Williams. https://t.co/ybEf52EWfU
— Cinn City News (@CinnCityNews) October 12, 2016
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