A downtown bank sign listed the temperature as being 108 degrees Friday afternoon, but a crowd of area citizens braved the sweltering humidity to welcome soldiers from local military units home.
       Waving small flags, people of all ages and descriptions waited for the troops to come marching up Oak Street to the center of town, where the City of Statesboro held a "welcome home" celebration centered around the old Jaeckel Hotel ­- aka Statesboro City Hall.
       Children enjoyed the inflatable, military-themed camouflage attraction, bouncing around and climbing through the tunnels. Parents kept a watchful eye, as did Jerry Greene.
       "We just wanted to come down here and thank the troops for what they've done," he said as he sat beside his daughter, who was savoring a red, white and blue frozen treat.
       Carrie Camden, administrative assistant to City Manager Shane Haynes, said ice cream and other frozen delights were provided by Sea Island Bank. They also gave children balloons. The City of Statesboro provided ice cold drinks and hot dogs, along with other games and prizes for children.
       As people awaited the soldiers' arrival, the Starlights performed various classic tunes.
       A drum roll, followed by the Statesboro High School JROTC Color Guard, preceded the soldiers' march. After their arrival, Statesboro citizen Bill Coen led the crowd in the National Anthem.
       After a warm welcome by city leaders, LTC Tom Bright recognized the soldier's units. Coen finished with a rendition of "God Bless the USA" before the soldiers were dismissed to enjoy the family-style celebration. When the event ended around 7 p.m., the crowd was invited to join each other to cool off at Splash in the Boro.
       The event was intended to be "a time of honor, fun and relaxation for these troops and their families," she said. 
       It was indeed a great time in spite of the heat, which, according to Melissa Meyer, is much more humid than in her hometown of Chandler, Ariz.
       She was already in Statesboro visiting family, including her stepfather, who is retired from military and civil service.
       "We came to just support the troops and let the kids see how important it is to live in a country with our freedoms," she said.