Independence Day has taken on a whole new meaning for a group of Tarpon Springs sailors.
The crew from Aqua Quest International just returned to the Bay area after spending two months in a Honduran jail, as part of an extortion attempt.
"I got a little worried at that time, that wow, they may not let me out of here," said First Mate James Kelly "Boo Boo" Garrett.
American pressure helped get the men back home two days before the Fourth of July. It makes the holiday even more special for the crew.
"You don’t know what you have until you don’t have it anymore," Garrett said. "And anybody who wants to complain, guess what, it ain’t that bad here."
Instead of the traditional Fourth of July parade, Captain Robert Mayne chose to spend the holiday answering more than a thousand emails he has received. He wanted to thank each person for their support.
"It's easy to throw stones and find fault in your country," said Captain Mayne. "But you go through something like this, and the feeling of patriotism and love for America, is unbelievable."
He said Americans, who rallied together, made this Independence Day possible for them.