DETROIT -- Thanksgiving isn't until Thursday, but the Lions helped ensure that one Michigan family is going to have a memorable holiday.
In the break after the first quarter, the team brought Michelle Munsee and her three small children onto the field to see a video message from her husband, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Josh Munsee.
Munsee, who sustained near-fatal wounds in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2007, is serving his second tour in Afghanistan and was expecting to return home in February. He spoke to his family for several moments and finished off with a "Go Lions!" cheer.
Matthew Stafford then appeared on the video screen, and thanked Munsee on behalf of the Lions and the fans for his service to the country.
Stafford then started to put his helmet back on, but stopped and said, "Oh, and by the way, welcome home."
As Skylar Grey's solo from "Coming Home" played over the Ford Field sound system, Munsee ran onto the field to a huge ovation to greet his stunned family. His wife and two oldest kids -- Becca (age 5) and Henry (age 3) -- all hugged him, while 10-month-old Anna Grace gurgled happily in her mom's arms.
The Munsee family will spend Thanksgiving in their hometown of Grand Rapids before returning to their home near Camp Lejeune, N.C.
