Misrata's fighters return home.
They are given a heroes welcome in the war torn city.
As they return from battle in Sirte the city celebrates the demise of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
SOUNDBITE: Misrata Fighter, saying (Arabic):
"We came back safe thank God and Libya is free, God is great, God is great."
The city of Misrata has become something of a symbol for the revolt against Gaddafi after it fell to rebels early in the war and then stayed in their hands.
Much of Misrata was destroyed by tank fire and constant shelling by Gaddafi's forces. Its water supplies were deliberately cut and food began to run out.
Misrata's fighters then played a major role in the fall of Tripoli and were responsible for snatching Gaddafi.
Now the city is emerging as a powerful player in post-Gaddafi Libya.
In Tripoli , more celebrations
They sing on the streets and celebrate a future that cost many their lives.
The crowd, which was largely sporting Libyan flag colors, cheered for National Transition Council members who addressed the people from a stage on the square.
A giant cake decorated with the Libyan flag was cut on the count of 17, marking the 17th of February, the day the revolution that brought down Gaddafi kicked off.
Now Libya's leaders face a new test -- how to manage the enormous expectations of a country now free from the fear of Gaddafi's rule.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters