Shaan Hogun, 21, joined the Marines immediately after graduating West Boca High School in 2006 and spent his 21st birthday in Iraq. He returned from duty May 15, and his mother, Maria Rose, wanted to throw him a welcome home/birthday bash, and the party evolved into much more.
“We have missed so much with Shaan from Christmas to New Years to birthdays, and we wanted to give him the hero’s welcome he deserves,” she said.
Rose wanted to rent the hall at the community where she lives, but needed a little assistance, and the Sons of Italy Leonardo da Vinci Lodge in Boca Raton came through in a big way. The group got together and paid for the space, provided a tenor to sing the National Anthem, reached out to State Rep. Adam Hasner and Sen. Ted Deutch, both of whom provided proclamations.
“I was expecting a birthday party with a few friends, but had no idea all of this would take place. There were veterans from prior wars, and it really was overwhelming,” said Hogun. He was also presented with an American Flag that flew over the state capital in his honor, which he said was a highlight of the evening.
Da Vinci Lodge founder and president Frank Giacalone said they caught wind of Rose’s plight through a community association meeting.
“Our vice president was at the meeting, and once we heard how she wanted to honor her son, we had our own meeting. Everyone agreed that this hero should be welcomed home with open arms, and we all pitched in,” he said.
Hogun leaves soon for Camp Lejeune, N.C., and he will then deploy for a global mission.
“I will be leaving on an aircraft carrier, and we will be deployed to various ports around the world. This night will stay with me, and it is something I will think about a lot,” he said.