With the thundering drums of high school bands and the precision matching of JROTC cadets, the 155th Infantry was officially welcomed home with a Saturday parade in their honor.

Though cold whipping winds kept many indoors, those who did line the streets for the morning event spoke of die-hard patriotism and their relief the Miss-Lou members of the 155th made it home safely.

&8220;It&8217;s just so great to have them home,&8221; was about all Myna Washington of Vidalia, a relative of the 155th&8217;s Elbert Washington, could say.

She was one of dozens of parade-goers who lined Main and Franklin streets in downtown Natchez for the event, waving American flags in one hand and waving with the other.

And not all of those who took part knew someone in the 155th personally.

&8220;We&8217;re just here to support the troops of the 155th,&8221; said Alex Womack of Natchez, who was at the parade with his wife, Betty. &8220;We think the troops are doing a great job in Iraq, and we think President Bush is also doing a great job.&8221;

But the parade wasn&8217;t all the 155th Family Readiness Group and other community leaders had planned Saturday to welcome the soldiers home.

Later in the day, members of the 155th and their families enjoyed a barbecue at Duncan Park. On Saturday night, soldiers and their families were honored at a banquet at the Natchez Convention Center, complete with music and dancing.

And organizers&8217; efforts were praised by the 155th, which includes more than 40 soldiers from the Miss-Lou.

&8220;We just appreciate everything they&8217;re done for us,&8221; Sgt. John Williams of Natchez said.