Welcome Back Parade Saturday

South side streets will be packed Saturday as the Calvary gets a welcome home.

The Family Readiness Group at the Armory is planning a party and parade to welcome the troops of the 102nd Calvary of the New Jersey Army National Guard back from Iraq. The troops were from the state National Guard's largest deployment since World War II. The troops returned to the United States earlier this year, but timing did not permit the parade to kick off until Saturday.

According to Nancy LaCorte, the coordinator of the family readiness group, the day will consist of several parts. Early in the morning there will be a volunteer appreciation breakfast which will be followed by several presentations at 11 a.m. U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon County) is scheduled to present several American flags that flew over the Capitol, while Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R-Summit) will make state level presentations. Mayor Andy Skibitsky is slated to present a proclamation on behalf of the town.

At Noon, the parade is scheduled to kick off from the Memorial Pool. The parade will proceed down West Broad Street to Hyslip Avenue where it will make a right. The parade will then hang a left on First Street headed towards Rahway Avenue. The parade will then make a right on Rahway Avenue and head to the Armory. Residents are encouraged to line the parade route to welcome the troops home.

The parade will be led by Town Engineer Kris McAloon, who will be on a motorcycle, with a group of fellow riders. McAloon volunteers his time to escort those killed in combat back home on motorcycle.

The troops will follow McAloon's group in the parade route, before the families of those who were deployed embark on the route. A bugler is slated to be a part of the parade as well. A group of Humvees will bring up the rear of the parade.

Following the parade, there will be an open house at the Armory for residents. There will be a mechanical bull available for riding, along with games for kids and an inflatible bouncy castle. Beer and wine will be available at the event. The wine was donated by 16 Prospect for the event.

LaCorte wanted to thank everyone on her committee for assisting with the planning process. She also wanted to thanks the businesses and residents who donated time and funds to help sponsor the celebration or get the Armory into shape.

"This will be the best day," LaCorte said.