Lawrence County will be celebrating the return of its localNational Guard troops from Iraq with a Welcome Home DaySaturday.

The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with a parade down BroadStreet from the Lawrence County Civic Center to First BaptistChurch.

The parade will be followed by a program on the front lawn ofthe Lawrence County Courthouse. Featured speakers include Brig.Gen. James Pylant, the state assistant adjutant general; Veteransof Foreign Wars State Commander Donnie Verucchi, and Lt. Col. ClydeHill, the present commander of Monticello’s Headquarters andHeadquarters Company of the 106th Support Battalion.

The New Hebron Mass Choir will perform during the event.

“I’m glad our county is working to honor these brave men andwomen who everyday go to work to ensure our freedoms,” saidMonticello Mayor David Nichols.

Following the program at the courthouse, the soldiers and theirfamilies are invited to the Lawrence County High SchoolMulti-Purpose Building for lunch and family day activities followedby a formal service of recognition, “The Freedom Salute.”