BANGOR (AP) – The 170 members of a Maine Army National Guard unit that returned three months ago from Iraq were reunited Saturday at a homecoming ceremony at Bangor Auditorium to recognize their service and pay tribute to two members killed by a roadside bomb.

Gov. John Baldacci said the entire state is thankful for the efforts of Security Force 1, a unit made up of members of Company B, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment and individuals from various other units.

“You were never alone while you were away. All of Maine and the nation stood with you in support of your work and in support of your families,” Baldacci said.

A bomb attack in May 2006 killed Staff Sgt. Dale Kelly Jr., 48, of Richmond, and Staff Sgt. David Veverka, 25, a University of Maine student from Jamestown, Pa.

“It’s been over a year and I shouldn’t say it gets any easier, but you just learn how to deal with it more,” said Sgt. Kyle McCrum. “We’re always going to have a space where those two soldiers were.”

Baldacci and Maj. Gen. John Libby presented Veverka’s family with State Gold and Silver Stars honoring his service and sacrifice.

Each of the Security Force 1 troops at the Freedom Salute ceremony was thanked individually by the governor and given a framed flag.

The soldiers said they were happy to be home and looked forward to moving on with their lives.

The unit was stationed in Baghdad and Tallil during its 12-month deployment, engaging in force protection operations, convoy security and route clearance.

Sen. Olympia Snowe and Rep. Tom Allen also attended the ceremony.

“There is no better way to honor our Maine servicemen and women who fought valiantly overseas than to welcome them home in grand fashion,” Snowe said.