BEDFORD (CBS) – There was a hero’s homecoming at Hanscom Air Force Base Thursday, a way to say thank you to servicemen and women back from Afghanistan and Iraq.

A parade around the base kicked off the homecoming. In attendance were Medal of Honor recipients, veterans, business leaders and former players from the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots.

“It’s nice to be recognized by the wider community that we still have people in harm’s way and they still care about us,” said Lt. Kyle Glashower.

“It hits home what these soldiers do and the sacrifices they make and that their families make,” says former Patriots Player Steve DeOssie.

Then there was a ceremony hosted by WBZ-TV’s Jonathan Elias to recognize the airmen and women and their families.

“I’ve been in a long time, actually been in 23 and a half years and I’ve never seen a welcome home like this,” says Master Sgt. Ted Stearns. “So, it’s pretty special.”