FORT LEWIS, Wash. - Independence Day had an extra meaning for many soldiers who returned home to their families this holiday after more than a year in Iraq.

The returning soldiers and their loved ones set off some emotional fireworks of their own inside a Fort Lewis gym.

As the men and women of the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion were dismissed, there was sense of frenzy as they rushed to find their loved ones.

The soldiers have spent the past 15 months in Iraq. And on Saturday their spouses and children met them with balloons, banners, and flags.

Many said it was the best Fourth of July they've ever seen.

"It feels great to be home," said one soldier. "Priceless. Priceless."

Tonight, the soldiers plan to party and celebrate with their families. Many are going to Gas Works Park to watch the fireworks over Lake Union.

And they will be remembering - in their thoughts and prayers - five soldiers who died in combat and didn't make it back home.