By Donna Bumgarner Contributing Writer Sirens echoed across the air and blue lights flashed as members of the 218th Infantry Brigade of Operation Enduring Freedom headed home after serving their country in Afghanistan. They were escorted through Whitmire by the Whitmire Police Department, the Whitmire Fire Department, and a group of Patriot Guard Riders who proudly flew their flags as they led the men home. Melissa “Freebirds” Stevens, a member of the group of motorcyclists and a local resident, said of the event, “It is so much better than being an escort for a funeral.” She and her husband “Steam” Randy Stevens are active members of the group and go whenever and wherever they can to show their support for the men and women who so proudly serve their country in wartime and peacetime. As the convoy of motorcycles, fire trucks, police cars, and buses approached Union County, they were met by the Union County escort. All along the route, cars pulled over out of respect and people waved the American flag proudly to welcome them home. Others held signs and posters on the roadside or displayed yellow ribbons to let them know how appreciative they were. The journey home was a long one, one that three of their comrades did not get to make. SGT Edward O. Philpot died on October 23, 2007, SSG James David Bullard died October 30, 2007, and SGT Shawn F. Hill died January 2, 2008. As they arrived at the National Guard Armory, they were greeted by grateful citizens, friends, and loved ones. Watching them leave the armory after they were dismissed with their families and their friends was quite a sight. Thanks to groups like the Patriot Guard Riders and local police departments and fire departments, as well as the patriotic citizens who lined the route home, posted signs, or displayed yellow ribbons, the men and women who served their country unselfishly were able to see how much they were appreciated.