Riley Honored in Pennsauken

Pennsauken gave a hero's welcome to freed prisoner of war Sgt. James Riley during a parade Sunday. "It's very overwhelming. I never expected to be here -- not in front of all you people," Riley told an appreciative hometown crowd. "That was the last thing I was thinking about."

Well-wishers of all ages lined Park Avenue in Riley's hometown for a parade, complete with string bands, elected officials, a sea of American flags and some 60 Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders.

"It feels real good to be home," Riley said. "It's amazing. I never expected anything like this, sir."

Mothers said they wanted to hug him and men said they wanted to shake his hand and honor him for his bravery.

The Iraqis held Riley and six of his comrades hostage for 22 days and they were set free on Palm Sunday.

Riley's startled reaction when the fireworks started were one indication of the mental toll he and his fellow soldiers must have undergone.

However, Riley, 31, was quick to explain why he does not consider himself a hero.

"It's part of the job. We do this every day. We got people still in Afghanistan and Iraq, Bosnia and about five other countries at least. We do this all the time, sir," Riley told reporters.

The Army has forbidden Riley from speaking about any of the details of his captivity, even to his parents, because of national security. The military is still investigating the incident.

Riley will be home on leave for three more weeks and then he will report back to the Army to continue his tour of duty.

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