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FORT BRAGG -- It was a day of celebration on Fort Bragg Thursday as thousands of soldiers celebrated their homecoming. Thousands of troops ran in the Return Run in honor of troops home from Iraq after Operation New Dawn on Thursday morning.

The 14,000 troops ran four miles to celebrate the return of the 18th Airborne Corps Headquarters from Iraq. After three deployments, Col. Keith June was part of the Airborne headquarters in Iraq that led troops out of the country.

“I’m really glad it’s over. I think we did what the nation asked us to do,” said June.

The run is just the first part of Thursday's celebration. Thursday afternoon is a Return Ceremony when troops will hear a message from Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick.

“We want to make sure soldiers take care of each other, that leaders, and family members understand that everyone cares about them and there is help and programs available,” said Lt. Gen. Helmick.

About 750 troops came home back in December. They were deployed for more than 10 months as part of Operation New Dawn.