DENNISVILLE – Army Specialist Colt Dietrich, 21, recently returned to his family home after being deployed to Iraq and Kuwait.
Dennis Township officials assembled a parade Dec. 13 of local fire and rescue departments, law enforcement, veterans and members of Warrior’s Watch Organization to honor and recognize one of Cape May County’s local heroes.
The procession, including fire engines, ambulance, and a large motorcycle presence from Warrior’s Watch, drove through Dietrich’s neighborhood in Dennis Township and north along Route 9 to the Ocean View Fire Hall. Servicemen and women lined up to shake Colt’s hand and welcome him home in style.
Dennis Township local officials, as well as Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st), Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st) and Assemblyman-elect Bruce Land (D-1st) presented Dietrich proclamations to honor his service.
South Shore Stitchers, a local quilting group, also presented the young man with a handmade quilt representing the national Quilts of Valor Organization. Even the townships’ youth came out to show support, Dennis Township Girl Scouts beamed as they handed the young man a bouquet of flowers. Children from Dennis Township Elementary Schools made posters, banners and cards that decorated the Fire Hall that not only welcomed home our hero, but thanked him for his service.
Dietrich expressed his gratitude and sincere appreciation for all those wishing him well during his time away from home, and will be heading back overseas in the not too distant future.
The Fire Hall was filled with gratitude, respect and love, and Dennis Township officials hope this is only the first of many homecoming parades to honor our men and women in the service.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.
