Return to Headlines

Home for the Holidays – Surprise Military Homecomings in Roxbury

• Cieslak Family Reunited  • Rueter Family at Franklin

Home for the Holidays – Surprise Military Homecomings in Roxbury

ROXBURY, NJ (December 20, 2024) – Two Roxbury families had special visitors this holiday season, and no, we’re not talking about Santa and his reindeer.

On December 4th while preschoolers at Nixon School were having some winter fun and creating special ornaments, Hailie, 4, and her brother Leo, 3, were surprised when their dad, Mariusz Cieslak, walked in. The kids hadn’t seen their father for 11 months as he had been deployed overseas in Syria. Upon seeing him, Hailie’s face lit up as she ran over to give her dad a big hug!

A second Roxbury family, this time from Franklin School, received that same surprise yesterday afternoon. James Rueter surprised his three boys following the fourth-grade winter concert during the school-wide holiday sing-along.

Towards the end, Franklin Principal Brian Hamer called the Franklin staff up front to sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Following the song, he called up front Bennett, 10, Mason, 6, and Nathan, 10. As the boys were walking towards the stage, one exclaimed, “I know what this is!”

Principal Hamer went on to say, “Students and staff, during the holiday season it is important to remember all that we have to be thankful for. The song the staff just sang was originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home for the holidays. At this time, I’d like to introduce our special guest, Mr. Rueter who just returned home from military deployment.”

Upon Principal Hamer’s announcement, Mr. Rueter burst out of a big present waiting on stage with his three boys running and jumping up to greet him with the room breaking out in applause and cheers.

Unlike Mr. Cieslak and Mr. Rueter, not all of our troops will be home for Christmas. We thank all of our men and women serving and wish them all a Happy Holiday and a safe Happy New Year! 

PHOTO ATTACHED (courtesy of Roxbury Schools)

###