INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Gov. Mike Pence has returned to Indianapolis to a big welcome home rally at Indianapolis International Airport.
With his wife and daughter by his side, Pence spoke to cheering supporters at the airport after greeting Governor-elect Eric Holcomb.
"We are deeply humbled and moved by this warm Hoosier homecoming. In my life, I've been blessed in so many ways - blessed to represent my hometown in our nation's capital, blessed to have had the opportunity to serve as governor of the greatest state in the greatest nation on Earth. But I am deeply humbled to stand among my neighbors and friends with my family at my side, to know that it will be my great honor to take that lifetime of experience to serve as the vice president of the United States of America," Pence said.
Pence appeared to be fighting back tears as he spoke.
Pence's motorcade left the emotional airport homecoming, headed back to the Governor's Residence, passing one woman who stood in the chilly dark to wave goodbye.
"I think it's great for the country. It's going to change something," she said.
Not long before, Pence stepped from his campaign's 737 into a brilliant Hoosier autumn sunset.
"It's wonderful to be back home again," he said.
Pence thanked his family, including his late father.
"My dad, who I have a feeling is looking down from glory, and is very surprised," the vice-president elect said.
His mother, a daughter of immigrants who has a passion for service, was on stage with him.
"Mom, thank you. Thank you so much," he said, before giving her a hug and a kiss.
Pence praised his wife and his daughter Charlotte, who was always on the campaign plane.
"I said she was babysitting her parents while they ran for vice president of the United States," Pence joked.
He asked prayers for national unity and prosperity.
"Pray for us that we will serve with the integrity of heart, with the grace and with a common sense that is synonymous with the name Hoosier," Pence said.
Crowds lined up at the airport a couple hours before the vice president-elect's arrival, with their signs and their spirit.
"Trump wasn't my first choice, but when he put Pence on the ticket, I was sold," said Brenda Ahlers, who brought her family from Tipton.
"We did stand out front and hear the speech. It was very inspiring," said another Pence fan at the airport, who was visiting from Arkansas.
After the crowds left the terminal, we asked other airport visitors what they thought of protests across the country opposing President-elect Donald Trump.
"I wish everybody would get behind everyone else so we could be an America that is one," a Pence backer said.
"They've got fears that are really not founded. But this is what they've been told over and over again for the last year. And they're acting on them. There's nothing to be afraid of," another man said.
The vice president-elect was often emotional during his homecoming remarks.
"Everything I am, everything I will ever be, I owe to God, my parents. My family and the good people of the great state of Indiana."
Then, voice breaking, he quoted a Hoosier anthem.
"Let me just say to everyone of you I hope you will always know, always know, that wherever my duties take me as vice president of the United States of America, every morning that I wake up my heart will always be where the moonlight is fair along the Wabash...and from the fields there comes the breath of new mown hay. Where I know the candlelights will always be gleaming through the sycamores on the banks of the Wabash far away."
To much applause, he then said, "Thank you Indiana. God bless you. We're going to work our hearts out to make you proud."
Before returning home, Pence met with House Speaker Paul Ryan and current Vice President Joe Biden.
Many who remember Pence in his hometown of Columbus are excited about the recent win and how it's putting them on the map.
They believe growing up in Bartholomew County helped influence Pence and made him the man he is today.
As the governor transitions to vice president, campaign aides say he will serve as a key point person to Capitol Hill.
Federal officials have imposed temporary flight restrictions over the Indiana governor's residence.
A Federal Aviation Administration notice dated Wednesday prohibits most aircraft from flying below 1,500 feet within a one-mile radius of the governor's residence in Indianapolis. It says military aircraft supporting the Secret Service are exempt, along with police and emergency aircraft.
The FAA generally issues temporary restrictions when there's a special event or hazardous condition. Similar limits have been issued for around Trump Tower in New York City.
The notice says the Indianapolis air space restrictions are needed because of "VIP movement." They expire January 21, the day after Pence becomes vice president.
