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Parade being planned for returning soldiers

JANESVILLE — A local group is planning a parade for members of an Army National Guard unit returning from Iraq this month.

The group wanted to alert the public to start making preparations, even though the date of the troops’ arrival is not yet known.

Alpha Company of the 132nd Support Battalion is based at the National Guard Armory in Janesville and has a detachment based in Elkhorn.

The unit’s approximately 130 members are expected to fly in to Volk Field this month and then spend several days at Fort McCoy before riding a bus to the armory in Janesville.

Organizer Lucy Anderson said her best guess is that the bus will arrive in late January, and she’s hoping for several days’ notice so the community can prepare.

A parade route has not been confirmed, but Anderson is hopeful the parade will start on Milton Avenue near Interstate 90/39 and proceed into town, turning left onto Main Street before arriving at the armory.

The fire and police departments have agreed to provide escorts, Anderson said, and teachers and Girl Scout leaders are being contacted to ask children to make signs.

But Anderson said the event needs community support. Her wildest dream is that the entire parade route be lined with cheering people.

“The biggest thing we want get across right now is to plan for it,” she said. “Get your flags ready and red, white and blue signs.”

The parade route and the date and time will be announced as soon as they are known.