Sappers return to Blanding

Blanding will welcome home local members of the National Guard 118th Sappers, who recently returned from a one-year deployment in Afghanistan.
The celebration will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 22 with a parade through town on Main Street. The parade will begin on the north side, continue south to Clarks Market, and then back to San Juan High School.
A recognition ceremony begins at 1:30 in the school auditorium. It will include presentation of awards; a tribute to Sgt. James E. Thode, who was killed in action; a slideshow of experiences in Afghanistan; patriotic music; and presentation of Blanding City Challenge Coins, which were cast in honor of the unit.
An open house and ice cream social follows at 2 p.m.