Canton Helps Welcome Wounded Hero Home

Marine Cpl. Todd Love knew there were , but he had no idea there were hundreds of them. A large crowd of people, some of them from and other parts of Cherokee County, cheered and waved 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 , 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 says 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."

The , the Marine Corps League in Woodstock and the Wounded Warriors Project joined 's celebration. Mayor Tommy Allegood 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 . Many students and alums from both schools attended the homecoming.

Gary Love said his son is a third generation Marine.

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