Best wishes for Bryan

The Sun-Times is dedicating today's edition to Bryan Anderson -- a soldier gravely wounded in Iraq.

"Sgt. Anderson is a hero, plain and simple. He values the American way of life so much that he was willing to risk his own, and for that we owe him our eternal gratitude. We also owe it to him to honor the promise we made to him and all the men and women serving our country -- that we will provide them the medical care and the disability benefits they have earned." -- Sen. Barack Obama

"We use the word hero too loosely in society today, so just calling Bryan Anderson a hero doesn't do justice to the sacrifice he made for his country. Different people have different views on the war in Iraq, but I think we can all agree that our soldiers are fighting for their country, for our rights, and for our freedom. We owe Bryan Anderson and every one of the men and women serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the globe more than a debt of gratitude. We owe them decent health care. We owe them a chance to get a good job. We owe them a chance to get ahead. It's the least we can do." -- Gov. Blagojevich

"Bryan, welcome home. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you begin your recovery process. Don't lose hope; with God all things are possible." -- Cardinal Francis George

"This is a good week to give thanks for Army Spec. Bryan Anderson and all of the brave soldiers who have answered the call for our nation, as well as to thank the family and friends of these soldiers who welcome them home." -- Sen. Dick Durbin

"Sgt. Bryan Anderson showed extraordinary courage on the field of battle, and he has shown even greater courage and determination in the months since he was wounded. He is a genuine All-American hero, and everyone in the Land of Lincoln should be very proud of him." -- Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn

"Bryan, there's an old, retired farm worker, Jessie dela Cruz, who had more troubles than Job. She says that one belief keeps her going: HOPE DIES LAST. Esperanza is the Spanish word for Hope. That's what it's all about. ESPERANZA!" -- Writer, historian, activist Studs Terkel

"I join Rolling Meadows and the entire community in thankful recognition of Specialist Bryan Anderson's service and sacrifice, and in welcoming him home for this Thanksgiving holiday." -- Rep. Melissa Bean, who represents Anderson's district

"I thank Mr. Bryan Anderson for courageously serving in Iraq, his sacrifice for our country is more than we should ask of any man or woman. My heart is touched and I am especially proud of his tenacity which has allowed him to successfully recuperate. I wish Mr. Anderson all the best as he begins a new life; may he always remember that every new day holds a nugget of joy. In this time of war, during this holiday season, I say may God bless Bryan, the soldiers still serving in Iraq and may God Bless America." -- Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown

"Me and my family wish Bryan a happy holiday. It's good that he's able to come home for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's to spend time with family. God would not put anything in front of him that he thought he could not handle. He must be a really strong-spirited man. I feel comfortable knowing that someone like him was out there fighting on my behalf. I'm just really glad to see that Bryan's coming home." -- R&B singer Syleena Johnson

"Best wishes -- anything we can help him with, we will. We're very proud of him. This is a small part of his welcome home." -- Chicago Fire Dept. Cmdr. Cary Skinner, who supervised the arch of water that Bryan Anderson's arriving plane rolled under at O'Hare

"We want you back. We've got a uniform waiting for you." -- Kenny Panawa, who, like Bryan Anderson, is an American Airlines ramp worker

"We're just glad to have him back. The Chicago Police Department welcomes him back." -- Chicago Police Cmdr. Mike Patton, commander of O'Hare and Midway airports

"God Bless, and thank you for all you did." -- Jeff Mavits, American Airlines ramp worker who worked with Bryan Anderson before his Iraq deployment

"Bry, keep that beautiful spirit going." -- Jay Goeppner, friend and fellow American Airlines ramp worker who wrote a song for Anderson entitled "A Soldier's Christmas Song"

"Bryan, you've inspired me to be a better person. I love you dearly." -- Anna Sherony, co-founder, Wounded Heroes Foundation, which helped coordinate Tuesday's celebration

"It is because of you that we are able to stand here today and enjoy the freedom we enjoy. Welcome home, Bryan. And thank you so much." -- Glenn Kukis, 1st vice president, Transport Workers Union Local 512, union that represents ramp workers

"Freedom isn't free, and he payed the price. Good luck, God bless and thank you!" -- Dan Deneher, American Airlines 777 pilot on hand to greet Bryan Anderson

"The USO is here to support you all the way -- from deployment to homecoming and beyond." -- Rod Stiles, program director, USO of Illinois

"He learned a lot of things in gymnastics about discipline and reaching goals. If he can go back to that, it will help him in the future." -- Al Galatte, Anderson's now-retired junior varsity gymnastics coach at Rolling Meadows High School

"My eyes were filled with tears seeing him coming home. Everybody is just excited he's back; he's alive. We're just so proud of him for serving his country. I'm a Christian, and I thank God he has come through this as he has." -- Cheryl Henderson, Anderson's school counselor at Rolling Meadows High School

"Brian has gone through a lot and there were times he was tired of the whole process, understandably so . . . he kept persevering when things got tough, and things were tough many times. He has the strength, humor and determination to carry him through any potential challenges in the future." -- Laura Friedman, Anderson's physical therapist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

"Welcome home and welcome aboard." -- Mike Ryan of Chicago, who drove Anderson in a motorcycle sidecar

"You're a heck of a kid." -- Joe Alger, who organized a 150-motorcycle escort from the Des Plaines Oasis to Rolling Meadows

"Be well and be strong, we need you." -- Janet Mallen, co-worker of Anderson

"You're a true hero, welcome home." -- John Contreras, American Airlines executive

"May God continue to show you grace." -- Darrian Williams, an Anderson co-worker

"You are a man of all men." -- Noel Lang, an Anderson co-worker

"Thank you for your contribution to freedom and our country." -- Cliff Merkle, co-worker

"No words can describe your bravery." -- Liz Sandoval, co-worker

"Bryan, you are truly a hero and an inspiration to us all." -- Jack Lavin, director, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Development

"Welcome home, Bryan. Your courage and valor inspire all of Chicago." -- Charlie Carey, chairman, Chicago Board of Trade

"American Airlines is a family, and we certainly are delighted to welcome home one of our own who has given so much. We are very proud of him and humbled by what he has done for all of us." -- Ralph Richardi, senior VP of customer services at American Airlines, the area where Anderson was an employee.

"Welcome home, Bryan. We will always honor your heroic service to our country." -- Jim Skinner, CEO, McDonald's Corp.

"Your tremendous resilience and persevrance are what provide hope for all survivors of all conflicts, everywhere." -- Diane Swonk, chief economist, Mesirow Financial

Just minutes after winning Best Pop/Rock Album of the Year at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles Tuesday night, members of the band Nickelback — Anderson’s favorite band — phoned Chicago to give the soldier their best regards. “We are humbled and honored to find out that someone is a fan of our music who is willing to do so much for their country.” --Chad Kroeger, lead singer of Canadian band Nickelback.

Dan Forman, Nickelback’s publicist, said the band wanted Anderson to know it would ‘‘do everything we can to make sure he’s at their show in March.’’ Nickelback is scheduled to play the Allstate Arena in March. ‘‘I love them,’’ Anderson told the Sun-Times earlier Tuesday.

"Welcome home and thank you for your bravery. In these trying times, it is soldiers like you that truly make us proud. I will be saying a special prayer for you and all the soldiers to come home and that God may ultimately grant peace." -- Actor, director, producer Robert Townsend

"My father was a quadriplegic after World War II. My father raised me without arms or legs and he did OK. I pray for Bryan every day, and the city will pray with us for his continued success." -- Anchorman Art Norman, WMAQ-Channel 5

"You make Chi-town proud. We are so lucky to have you. All my love and support." -- Glenview's Katie Cleary, No. 11 briefcase model from TV's "Deal or No Deal"

"Bryan, thanks so much for making a huge sacrifice in the name of keeping us all safe. My thoughts are with you and your family. Hang in there!" -- Eric Ferguson, WTMX-FM ("The Mix")

"I'd like to offer my prayers and hope this young man recuperates and finds a life that he can enjoy in a way that he feels productive." -- Ramsey Lewis, musician and WNUA-FM (95.5) host

"Bryan, on behalf of the Bears family, I want to welcome you home. As a member of our military, your courage and strength is an inspiration to all of us. We appreciate your commitment to protecting the freedoms we live with every day. You are one of Chicagoland's true heroes." -- Lovie Smith, Bears

"What we do on a daily basis doesn't compare to what you did for our country. God bless you, and welcome home. You'll always be welcomed to Wrigley Field. I'm looking forward to seeing you." -- Jim Hendry, Cubs

"When you think of the true meaning of courage and a testimony to the human spirit, you're a living, breathing example. I couldn't imagine what you and your family have gone through. But I've seen it in action before, and if there's a group of people that can gather together and be a support system, it's the people of Chicago. As with all of the members of the service, we remain supportive and in your corner." -- Ken Williams, White Sox

"It is an honor and privilege for me to say for the entire Bulls organization, 'Welcome home, Bryan, and thank you.' In a world full of images and symbols, I can think of none more powerful than the price you paid, not only to help preserve freedom but to preserve your own life. To me, you embody the spirit of America." John Paxson, Bulls