2008-09 News and Features

Jason Smith welcomed home Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Philadelphia 76ers forward Jason Smith welcomed home Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who served 10 months in Iraq, at a local event to honoring their return in Trenton.

Held at the Sovereign Bank Arena, families anxiously awaited the arrival of family members that have been away for almost a year. You could feel the emotion and see the excitement in their faces as the event began.

The returning Soldiers were greeted with a parade and celebration in downtown Trenton as they marched from the New Jersey World War II Memorial to the Sovereign Bank Arena. Family members lined the streets, waving flags and holding posters acknowledging their loved ones as they passed by.

Gov. Jon Corzine and Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth made brief remarks at the start of the parade and the Soldiers were joined by high school marching bands from Ewing, Newark, Paterson and Trenton, NJ.

Smith signed autographs and posed for photographs with the families and returning soldiers.

"I have never been a part of something so special,” said Smith. “I feel privileged to be a part of such a special and life changing reunion!”

Joining Jason in the celebration were athletes from the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and the New Jersey Devils.