Injured Marine Comes Home

Updated April 9, 10:35 a.m.

The local community is getting ready for the homecoming of Cpl. Todd Love. Love is an Acworth native and a Recon Marine, who suffered severe injuries sustained from an IED explosion while on duty in Afghanistan in October 2010. As a result of the explosion, Love lost parts of both legs and his left arm.

"I can't be more excited about my son coming home," said Gary Love, father of the corporal. "We wanted to make sure he gets the warm welcome he deserves."

Love's family said Friday that the corporal's arrival time at in Kennesaw has been pushed to after 3 p.m. today.

"He was sent to Afghanistan last April," said Gary Love. "This would be his first time coming home."

Following the welcome at the airport, the Patriot Guard, several military support groups, local motorcycle groups, and local police jurisdictions will escort Love from the airport to in Acworth. The departure route will be Old U.S. Hwy 41/Georgia 293 through Kennesaw and Acworth to Dallas Landing Park.

Residents who are not able to ride along, but would like to be part of the homecoming, can stand alongside Kennesaw Main Street or Acworth Main Street, as Love travels through the downtown areas of both cities.

"Corporal Love is a true hometown hero," said Tommy Allegood, Mayor of Acworth. "We're really excited about rolling out the red carpet for him."

Gary Love said his son is a third generation Marine, and has followed the family footsteps to serve his country.

"He has sacrificed a lot for this country, and we should all show our respect and patriotism," he said.

"We are grateful that we have someone to point to and be able to say, that's our hero," said Allegood.

Love is a Kell High School graduate, and also attended . His father said both schools will be present at Saturday's homecoming.

The public is invited to help welcome Love by lining streets, decorating storefronts, or attending the homecoming event at Dallas Landing Park. Parking will be limited at the park. Additional parking within walking distance from Dallas Landing Park is available in downtown Acworth.