Private Lynch arrives home to hero's welcome

FORMER US Army PoW Jessica Lynch returned to her West Virginia home to a hero's welcome yesterday, and in her first words since her rescue said: "It's great to be home".

Lynch, who was brought to the podium in a wheelchair, received a standing ovation as she entered a media tent and made her brief remarks.

The 20-year-old said she did not realise for a long time her ordeal had captured the hearts of millions around the globe.

"But I'm beginning to understand because I've read thousands of cards and letters that offer messages of hope and faith," she said.

US forces rescued Lynch at a hospital on April 1, after her convoy was ambushed on March 23.

Her rescue quickly made her an American hero and she has received book, television and movie offers to tell the story of her capture and rescue.

The story of the rescue, however, has also sparked accusations US authorities exaggerated the circumstances of her capture and her rescue in order to make Lynch a hero at a time when the war effort in Iraq appeared to be flagging.