JESSICA COMING HOME TOMORROW - Thousands Expected To Line Route 14

(07/21/2003)

Elizabeth ready...

Press tents are set

Photos by John Griffin

Pvt. Jessica Lynch is coming home Tuesday.

Some people in Wirt County say she is coming home to the "Lynch Mob," referring to the hundreds of media organizations that will be covering the event. During Lynch's capture and rescue, dozens of media satellite trucks and hundreds of reporters descended on the quiet community.

More banners, signs and ribbons are being put up and a tent has been erected along Route 14 where Lynch is expected to make a statement after her arrival by helicopter.

Thousands of local and regional residents are expected to line the highway.

"There is plenty of room along Route 14," said the spokesperson.

The community has put off a larger celebration until Lynch is feeling better.

She will be flown in by a military aircraft to Wirt County and she will proceed to the Russell Woodward Memorial Park in Elizabeth," said Joe Carey, director of strategic communications for Gov. Bob Wise. "She will make a statement to the media and will answer no questions. She will be taken by military motorcade through the streets of Elizabeth and Palestine to her home and the media will not be allowed to follow."

Officials said security will be "extremely high."

The Palestine Post Office will have a special cancellation to commemorate the day.