RUMFORD – Plans are under way to welcome home members of the Maine Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion and the U.S. Army Reserve’s 619th Transportation Company and any other military groups that have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The ceremony, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Mountain Valley High School, will also serve to honor any soldier, sailor or other member of the armed services. Everyone from the community is invited.
Because the high school will be in session that day, students will also be welcoming the troops.
Sheryl Briggs, one of the organizers for the event, said the committee is looking for the names and addresses of other service people, and their families, who should be contacted so they can be invited to the welcoming.
She said the committee has so far identified nearly 30 service people from the River Valley area. Anyone with information on others is encouraged to phone the Mexico Town Office at 364-7971.
Briggs said the committee is tentatively planning for a guest speaker, music by the high school band and chorus, and a reception for service people after the ceremony. Elementary school children from area schools are expected to create posters that will be displayed in the high school gymnasium honoring the event.
Local state legislators and area selectmen are also invited.
She said returning military members will again be honored during the River Valley’s Memorial Day parade in May.
Additional details will be announced after the committee’s next meeting set for 3 p.m. on April 1 at the Mexico Town Office.
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