Peggy Conklin knows about soldiers coming home from war zones.
Between her three sons, the San Ramon mother has experienced 20 such joyful reunions.
Therefore, Conklin knows full well the elation military families must have felt when President Obama announced last week that U.S. troops now stationed in Iraq will come home before the end of December.
"I'm sure all the families are really happy the soldiers will be home for the holidays," said Conklin, "and that we won't have to go back to Iraq."
Conklin and other Blue Star Moms were part of a welcome home ceremony at Hap Magee Ranch Park in Danville on Saturday for U.S. Marine Chris Bogart.
Conklin said when these soldiers come home over the next two months, their spouses and parents will no longer have to endure the sacrifice they have made of not having a loved one home as well as the stress of worrying if anything has happened to that soldier stationed so far away.
"It's a constant worry for the families," she said. "It's 24/7, worrying about getting that phone call or that knock on the door."
Conklin's three sons have all served overseas on a number of occasions.
Kris Conklin, 31, is currently in Afghanistan. He's married with two daughters and another baby on the way.
Curt Conklin, 29, is home from Afghanistan but, like other active duty soldiers, could be deployed again. He is currently stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. He is married and has a young son.
Casey Conklin, 25, is no longer in the military. He did serve in Iraq when he was on active duty.
Although Kris was wounded on a previous deployment, Peggy Conklin said she's grateful her sons have come home every time they have been sent into a war zone.
That feeling was in full display on Saturday when flags, fire engines, veterans and military families greeted Bogart at Hap Magee Park.
The ceremony was organized and attended by various groups, including the Blue Star Moms, the Diablo Valley Flag Brigade, the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley, the San Ramon Valley Post 75 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Warriors' Watch Riders.
Bogart was given a number of plaques and ribbons as well as being thanked for his service by representatives of each group.
Thank you also the the wonderful folks who greet our returning heroes to show our appreciation for their service by being there when they arrive on US soil.
You are appreciated.