FAIRHOPE, Alabama—After a tearful welcome-home hug between U.S. Army Sgt. Eric Wintzell and his mother at about 3:35 p.m. today, Wintzell wasted little time in making this 27^th day of December one few who were there will forget. 

In front of several dozen people waving American flags and signs and numerous TV crews and newspaper reporters, the 23-year-old veteran returning home from his second tour in Afghanistan went suddenly to one knee in front of his girlfriend, Laura Terwilliger, who covered her hands in her face.

He then took her hand in his and produced a ring.

And as several people in the audience could be he heard loudly gasping in anticipation he asked, “Will you marry me?” 

When she said “yes,” the audience of several dozen people in front of City Hall in downtown Fairhope burst into applause.

“Show us the ring!” a member of the audience shouted as the newly engaged couple hugged tightly.