NATCHEZ — Friends, neighbors and family members are leaving Natchez for war today, and city officials hope you’ll be waving them goodbye.

The city’s community development office is encouraging all local residents to line the streets from the National Guard Armory down Liberty Road to Sergeant S. Prentiss Boulevard all the way to U.S. 61 South to the U.S. 84 exit.

The battalion leaves at 9 a.m., and Community Development Director Darlene Jones said those planning on seeing the troops of should line up at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Those leaving, headed for Iraq, are members of the National Guard’s 1st Battalion 155th Brigade.

Once deployed, the 400-day tour will have the battalion guarding valuable supply routes in Iraq.

Jones is encouraging everyone able to make signs and posters to bid the soldiers farewell.

Today’s edition of The Democrat includes a pullout American flag designed to be used at today’s farewell party.