Article updated: 12/24/2012 5:45 PM

Mt. Prospect soldier arrives home in style for Christmas

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U.S. Army Spec. Joseph Cappello, 24, of Mount Prospect, hugs family and friends after arriving home from Afghanistan on Christmas Eve to a surprise welcome at the Arlington Heights American Legion Hall Post 208.

Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer

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U.S. Army Spec. Joseph Cappello, 24, of Mount Prospect, is escorted with a parade through Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights after arriving home from Afghanistan on Christmas Eve to a surprise welcome at the Arlington Heights American Legion Hall Post 208.

Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer

U.S. Army Spec. Joseph Cappello, 24, of Mount Prospect, is amazed at the crowd after arriving home from Afghanistan on Christmas Eve to a surprise welcome at the Arlington Heights American Legion Hall Post 208.

Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer

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Army Spc. Joseph Cappello, 24, was so moved by an elaborate homecoming ceremony attended by more than 200 people and held in his honor Monday afternoon, that he admitted to fighting back tears. "This is overwhelming," the Mount Prospect native said.