Freedom Salute planned for 107th Engineers
Freedom Salute planned for 107th Engineers
By KURT HAUGLIE, DMG Writer
BARAGA — What started out as an idea to have a small picnic on July 8 to welcome back about 120 members of Company A, 107th Engineer Battalion of the Michigan Army National Guard, has grown to include live music and speeches and presentations by colonels and generals.
Rick Geroux, American Legion Post 444 commander in Baraga, said the men and women of the 107th are returning from Iraq and the members of the post thought it would be a good idea to honor them with a Freedom Salute, but once word got out about it, the brass didn’t want to be left out.
“They heard (we) were doing this, and they wanted to get in,” Geroux said.
One of the dignitaries taking part in the celebration is Brigadier Gen. James A. Brunson, Deputy Army National Guard commander.
Geroux said the festivities get going at 10 a.m. at the Legion Hall on 505 Superior Avenue in Baraga with introductions and remarks. There will be a luncheon at noon and a dinner at 4:30 p.m. at the hall.
An honors ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at 1005 Superior Avenue.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community will be helping out with equipment, logistics and security, Geroux said.
“The tribe is instrumental in helping out all the time,” he said.
There will be a fireworks presentation at the end of the day, Geroux said, and there may be other activities upcoming.
“Things are coming in right and left,” he said.
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