Hingham Marine receives warm welcome home

HINGHAM, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Leahy of Hingham received a "hero's welcome" Wednesday night as he arrived in his hometown after eight months overseas.       
   
The 21-year-old vet arrived at Hingham's Best Chevrolet where he was then escorted through the town by police and firefighters. Hundreds came out to greet Michael as he returned home from one most dangerous places in the world, Afghanistan.

"I was in shock considering how many people actually came out during a workday, Wednesday at that, and thank me for my service," Michael said.

The homecoming was organized by the town's Veterans Services Officer Jamie Litchfield.

"It brings me back, raising the hairs on the back of my neck a little bit," Litchfield said. "In 2006, I came home myself from Iraq so it's bringing back some memories."

It's as good as it gets for Kevin Leahy, Michael's dad, who is an Army Veteran.

"I am so proud of that kid, it's incredible. To see everyone out there knowing that all those flags are for your kids. There's not a word for that," he said.

Michael left for the Marines in 2012, just days after graduating from Hingham High School. It was his mom's birthday.

He left for Afghanistan 8 months ago. His role: combat infantry.

"Most people take what they have for granted, but after seeing the most horrible human conditions on the face of the Earth, it's good to be back, Michael said."

Michael has a month off to unwind and decompress before he's off again, but he's made a lot of people proud, especially in Hingham.

Cox Media Group