MEXICO – They played sports together. As juniors they signed up for the National Guard together. They graduated from Mountain Valley High School together, and they entered active duty and shipped out to Iraq together.

And on Friday afternoon, after 13 months is that war-torn country, Mexico’s Corey Provencher and Rumford’s Kevin Sirois came home together, to the cheers, admiration and affection of more than 200 people.

Dozens of flags and signs waved; volunteers from the Mountain Valley High School band played; and town officials, local legislators, relatives and friends hugged and shook hands with the young men returning from war.

“It’s a great thing,” said former Marine Mike Soubble of Rumford, who had served in Vietnam. “When I came home, I almost had to hide. It was a different country then. Not being welcomed back then has been put in the past.”

Vietnam veteran Wayne Gallant, now a lieutenant with the Rumford Police Department, agreed.

“This is great. We didn’t get this at all,” he said as he smiled and shook hands with the two young men.

Veterans of World War II, the Korea War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and other conflicts were honored later in the day by Town Manager Joseph Derouche, who said the thanks and appreciation for their service were long overdue.

Provencher and Sirois placed red, white and blue ribbons, with patriotic medals attached, around the necks of all veterans who stepped forward and told of their service.

But first, the two young men returning from Iraq were nearly overwhelmed by the outpouring of thanks – and gifts – given to them by the towns of Mexico and Rumford, and by the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

“We didn’t expect all this,” said Sirois as scores of people lined up to shake hands.

“It feels great to be home. We’ve been waiting,” said Provencher.

They are part of the Army’s 133rd Battalion, C Company.

Rumford Selectmen Chairman Jim Thibodeau presented Provencher and Sirois with Rumford T-shirts and keys to the town.

“In my 13 years on the board, this is only the third time I’ve presented keys to the town,” said Thibodeau. “I feel very proud to be a part of this. I’m glad citizens of the town and the country are realizing what these soldiers are doing for us.”

Derouche said similar celebrations will be held as more area soldiers come home. Either Rumford or Mexico will organize them. People who know of homecoming soldiers are asked to contact the offices of either town.

Provencher and Sirois were escorted to the Mexico town green by the Peru Fire Department and police officers from area towns.

“You have exemplified the best of American values under the harshest of conditions and we’re proud of you,” said state Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Oxford.

“You are newly minted veterans,” said state Rep. John Patrick, D-Rumford. “We owe you and your families eternal gratitude.”

“Thank you for serving, for keeping your heads down, and thank God for your safe return,” said state Rep. Randy Hotham, R-Dixfield.

[email protected]