A Detroit mother was overcome with tears after her son returned from US Army service abroad and surprised her in front of thousands at an NBA game. Denise Edwards was sitting courtside to see the Detroit Pistons play the Chicago Bulls when her son Damon Bledsoe, came back from a year's service in South Korea to give her a hug. Singing legend Gloria Gaynor, who performed her hit song I Will Survive at the game, acknowledged Ms Edwards before saying that the team's Hoops for Troops initiative had a surprise for her. Her son appeared as fans at The Palace erupted in cheers for the serviceman carrying flowers to give his mother, who struggled to speak as they embraced during the reunion. Private First Class Bledsoe, 19, had written to the Pistons explaining all of the sacrifices his mother has made for him before he came home on leave. The Pistons beat the  Bulls 107-91 on Saturday night. Denise Edwards (center) began crying as she hugged her son Damon, who has been serving with the Army in South Korea for the last year . Private First Class Bledsoe (left) was escorted by the Detroit Pistons' center Andre Drummond to surprise his mother with flowers . Ms Edwards had been given courtside seats to see the Pistons and Gloria Gaynor (standing) without realizing that her son had come home on leave . The loving mother was recognized for her son's service before Ms Gaynor said that she had a surprise coming . She had difficulty speaking when she was overcome with emotion at her son's return from duty . Pvt Bledsoe (seen with family and Ms Gaynor, second from left) wrote to the Pistons explaining the sacrifices that his mother makes with him away . The NBA's Hoops for Troops program also sends basketball players for refurbishment and service projects with veterans . The young solider had been gone for a year before returning home for the surprise at Saturday night's game . Pvt Bledsoe's hometown Detroit Pistons won his homecoming game against the Chicago Bulls 107 to 91 .
Denise Edwards was given tickets to see Gloria Gaynor on Saturday night . Her son, Damon Bledsoe, 19, surprised her with flowers during halftime . Private First Class had been stationed in South Korea for a year . Soldier had written to Pistons about the sacrifices his mother has made .