The hugs among family are over as some of America's soldiers try to get back to their normal lives. Now, a city and community will say 'thank you' to all the men and women who have served the country.

Ohio University Southern will provide the setting at 4 p.m. Sunday for a welcome home party for the troops of the Ohio Army National Guard's 216th Engineer Battalion and other soldiers who have fought in the war in Iraq. Spec. Dale Tackett is one of the soldiers who will be honored Sunday. As a member of the 216th, Tackett returned last month. He was impressed with the reception then and he is impressed with the reception even now.

"It has been something nice, something different," said Tackett, a 25-year-old soldier who also served in the Marine Corps. "I never expected anything like this when I came back. The whole community has been very supportive."

As the bus full of soldiers rolled into town last month, Tackett and his company mates were blown away.

"Everyone in the bus was standing up and looking out the windows and clapping," he said. "It was just a great feeling."

OUS officials, elected leaders and community members hope to extend that royal welcome into Sunday. The public event in Bowman Auditorium will start with the politicians showing their appreciation and end with the soldiers sharing their experiences.

"We want people to line the routed down Kemp Avenue from here to the VFW and show their appreciation for the troops," said Dr. Kim Keffer, director

of enrollment services. "It is really an opportunity for everyone in the community to express their gratitude and show we are grateful to have them home safe."

To honor all soldiers past, present and future, Chapter 51 of the Disabled American Veterans had a dedication ceremony this morning for six banners that were hung in the Ironton City Center.

Stephen Saunders, commander of the DAV, is proud that the ceremony has been expanded to include all Iraqi Freedom soldiers. Saunders was at the city center today to present Mayor John Elam with flags from all branches of the armed forces and for POW/MIAs.

"This will be to keep the memory of the sacrifices of all our military alive," Saunders said. "We have a tendency to go about our way, especially those without a military background. This will serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices our men and women have made since our country was born."