Independence Day is even more special this year for one Parkersburg soldier on leave from Iraq.

Private First Class Chris Harvey and Erica Flowers of Cutler were married Friday at the Broadway Avenue Community Center.

Everything from the bouquet to the dress were in patriotic fashion.

It just so happened Chris' leave was scheduled over the holiday.

He's home for 18 days before he heads back to Iraq.

I think it's an honor. He just got back from Iraq. He gets 18 days in to be at his wedding and be with his wife before he has to go back," said father of the groom, Charles Lee Harvey, Sr.

Having the wedding Friday was the bride's idea.

"She figured I was home on R and R from Iraq so might as well make it the fourth," PFC Chris Harvey said.

It was a nontraditional proposal too. Two months ago while he was in Iraq, he asked her to marry him over the phone.

Friday the couple said they're trying to spend as much time together before he goes back. He has up to ten months left to serve.