Kidnapped New York Times reporter David Rohde returned to the paper’s newsroom yesterday where he, his wife Kristen Mulvihill and Afghan reporter Tahir Ludin were met with a standing ovation, applause and tears from the Times staff.

Although Rohde didn’t give any details about his captivity, he did tell his fellow Times staffers that Ludin “had told the hostage takers that if they wanted to chop off Mr. Rohde’s head, they would have to chop off his own first,” the paper reported.

We think Rohde’s “hokey” closing words to his colleagues are a good way to kick off the long holiday weekend, which will hopefully be spent with friends and family:

“Over the next day, hug your spouse, kiss your child, call your relatives, watch the sunset, watch the sunrise, thank your God and relish your life.”