CAIRO GUARD RETURNS THIS WEEK

CAIRO, Ill. -- Members of the Cairo National Guard's 1244th Transportation Unit will return to Cairo Monday or Tuesday.

The Guard unit was activated last September and served in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq during the Persian Gulf War. The unit returned to Dayton, Ohio last Tuesday, and were then bussed to Ft. Benjamin Harrison near Indianapolis.

The city of Cairo plans a celebration for the returning troops, according to Mayor James Wilson. The city will provide a police escort from I-57 into town. As soon as the procession turns off the interstate, the warning siren will be sounded to alert local residents of the return. Local churches have also been asked to ring their bells to announce the arrival, said Wilson.

The soldiers will leave their busses near the entrance to Cairo High School, and march into town. The parade will end at 28th street, when they will reboard the busses and proceed to the National Guard Armory where return ceremonies are scheduled.

Mayor Wilson encourages people to fill the streets and wave their flags to honor the returning soldiers.

A monument in Lansden Park honoring the soldiers will be dedicated during the welcoming ceremonies.