A tired but smiling 85-year-old US military veteran detained in North Korea for several weeks returned home to applause from supporters, yellow ribbons tied to pillars outside his home and the warm embrace of his family.
Merrill Newman arrived at the San Francisco airport after turning down a ride aboard Vice-President Joe Biden’s Air Force Two in favour of a direct flight from Beijing. He emerged into the international terminal smiling, accompanied by his son and holding the hand of his wife amid applause from supporters.
He spoke briefly to the assembled media, declining to answer questions or discuss his ordeal.
“I’m delighted to be home,” he said. “It’s been a great homecoming. I’m tired, but ready to be with my family.”
He also thanked