I am asking those who are able to help “Line Main Street” Wednesday morning when the 182 Infantry Regiment, headquartered here in Melrose, returns from their year-long deployment in support of military operations in Afghanistan.

While the time is subject to change, we are looking at an arrival time of 7-7:30 a.m. at Memorial Hall on Main Street. If you want to participate and show your pride for Melrose, Massachusetts and America, plan on arriving around 6:45.  

The welcome home plan is simple—have as many local residents cheering and waving flags when these heroes step off the bus. Flags will be available thanks to donations made for 182nd Infantry stickers found all around the city. The soldiers will move immediately into Memorial Hall after arriving by bus to be reunited with their families. We ask that the public respect these precious moments and refrain from entering Memorial Hall.

The “Welcome Home” moment is an important part of every deployed soldier’s transition to civilian life. While tired from extended travel and eager to get home, these soldiers will fondly recall the moment their community recognized their return from a year of sacrifices.

Arrival times are fluid due the size of the military movement and the nature of military travel. My office and the city will continually update you via this news outlet and Twitter. We encourage you to monitor @cityofmelrose or @melroseVSO for more up-to-date information.