YOUR COMMENTS

My husband is currently serving in Iraq and until it is your husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father you can't possibly grasp what this "war" means to them as well. My husband is a HERO not just to me and our 4 year old son but to the people in Iraq that he has contact with on a day to day basis. He sends home pictures of his interaction with the children there and asks not for things for himself but for candy/toys/etc for the children. His heart is in this "war". He is a true Military HERO and so are so many more serving our country. Ask them if they want to be there.
- Deidra, Alabama

Excuse me people but this was the BEST valentines day present everrr! I missed my dad soooo much and when he came to my dance it was pretty much AMAZING!
- Elizabeth, Manchester

Thanks! The beauty of hearts lived out for another as father to daughter and as family is what it is all about. My prayers are for many more valentines experiences for our familys expecially those willing to offer the ultimate sacrafice for us. Don Steinel
- Don Steinel, Anchorage, AK

What a fantastic story... congratulations to everyone involved for pulling it off.

Joel, Tom, it's a shame you can't just enjoy the moment without trying to inject your political views. Yes, you have a First Amendment right to be annoying when people are celebrating a touching story. But it's a shame you don't know how choose an appropriate forum. Go to a political blog, guys.
- Jack, Richmond, VA

Joel from Nashua, last time I checked we have a fully volunteer military. No one put a gun to their heads, or mine as a matter of fact, to join. Furthermore, as someone who has been to both Afghanistan and Iraq, I'll tell you that what we have done there has brought hope in their eyes and longing for peace in their hearts. Leave it up to moonbats like you, Cindy Sheehan, and Code Pinkos to take such a beautiful heart felt story like this, and politicize it.

And you're right, it is freedom of speech, and so John from Manchester can say what he wants, IN HIS OPINION. But I forgot how hypocritical you lefties are, you may criticize just as long as it's the same point of view as yours.

Rangers Lead The Way!
- Ken, San Diego, CA

The story is so touching. I cried while reading this.
- Kim, Phoenix, Az

Joel,

If you're going to preach against closed mindedness, perhaps it would be best if you didn't ascribe Tom's comments to what we all "have in our hearts."
- David, Alpharetta, ga

John from Manchester...I'm going to clue you into something. We live in a constitutional democracy where free speech is a protected right. What Tom from Manchester was stating is known as an opinion...and we all have them. No where in his statement did he disparage people in the armed services. He's stating the obvious that all of us have in our hearts...that we shouldn't have gone there...we don't belong there...and we need to leave as soon as it is possible to do so.

Your assertion that people who disagree with you should leave the country is just plain closeminded and ignorant. If you read his post, rather than just reacted to it, you'd see he IS supporting the members of our armed services by stating they should come home. Which they should because we never should have gone there to begin with.

Bring 'Em Back Alive
Peace
- Joel, Nashua

I just love homecoming stories like this. I haves seen several on TV, and it just brings a tear to my eye.
- Ernie, Palatine, IL

Beth is my friend. What her dad family and friends did for her was amazing. if any of you knew how close Beth and her father are you would know how much this meant to her. What he did for her last night was simply amazing. Tom you two should be ashamed. I don’t care what anyone’s views are on this war you should always support our military men and woman. Every time I see a member of our military I thank them. So if you don’t support our troups and they’re families then get out of our country.
- John, Manchester

I know this family very well, and they are a close knit family. I am sure Beth was extremely happy that her Mom and Dad. family and friends did all that planning for her. Its a Valentine's Day she will never forget.
- Ann, Manchester

So because you have a poor and distant relationship with your own daughter, this is "odd"??
It's wonderful, and big news, this is how it's SUPPOSED to be between a parent and a child.
- Sherri, Warner Robins

Fantastic story. Thanks (what else is there to say?).
- Nick, Alexandria, Va

Dwyane and Tom--

Both of you should be ashamed for not seeing that this is a good story. It's not about whether the war is right or wrong (Tom's comments) or whether this is "odd" (dwyane's comments). Both of you are shallow in your understanding of a heart warming story on Valentine's Day--good grief!
- Will from Georgia, Marietta, GA

Dwayne, the thing is, is that Beth didn't even want to go to the dance. I'm her roomate and it took so much to get her to go. No one every really goes to our dances that we have. The only reason people went was because they heard about what was going to happen. She talks about her dad everyday and without a doubt anyone would have loved it. I love you Beth!!!! :)
- Ashley, Keene

Dwayne, I'm sure if you were fighting for our country and your daughter hadn't seen you in 9 months, she'd be glad to see you, no matter where.
As someone who has known the Penn family most of her life, this is a fabulous story to read, and I'm glad they can all spend some quality time together!! :)
- Jennifer, Boston

Thanks for not missing an inappropriate opportunity to politicize the war, Tom in Manchester. Maybe you should contact the Pentagon as it's obvious they could use your military planning expertise.
- Mike, Concord

I don't know if my daughter would want me attend her semi-formal. Am I the only one who thinks this is odd?
- dwayne, keene

What a beautiful, heart-warming story. I recall how excited I was to welcome my brother home from Iraq last spring, and can understand just how happy the Penns are today! Thank you so much for your service and God Bless!
- Lauren, Sandown

Every now and then, you see something worth reading.....good job.
- Bob, FT Smith, AR

as a father of two girls, i miss them dearly just being away during an 8 hour work day. i can't begin to imagine how much he must miss his family. i thank him for his service and hope his visit home is a great one.
- rcn, manchester

From the beginning of the war I haven't been a major supporter, but I will always support our troops whole-heartedly. This story is so touching ( as my 3 yr old plays at my feet) that I have to wonder about all the moms and dads, sons and daughters still fighting over there. So many stupid deaths already, and every time the numbers go up, another family loses a loved one.
We need to start withdrawing immediately, leaving just a small force to help train local militaries. I hope that no more familites have to recieve bad news from this terrible war.
- Tom`, Manchester

Awe, today is my birthday, but that was such a touching article (my eyes are misty), and the 'Hero' was the icing on the cake. Just looking at the photo brings tears to my eyes, this is what Valentines is about; I almost felt like I was there.
- Fel, Spokane, WA