Paul Quander speaking at Freedom Salute Friday for Soldiers who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan

Ceremony will honor D.C. Guard men and women who volunteered for extended tours

WASHINGTON, DC (07/27/2011)(readMedia)-- Please join the District of Columbia National Guard for a Freedom Salute Ceremony to honor Soldiers who have returned from overseas deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The keynote speaker for the event will be Paul A. Quander, the District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice and acting Chief of Staff.

The media is invited to attend.

-- Date/Time: Friday, July 29, 10 a.m.

-- Location: DC National Guard Armory

2001 East Capital Street

Washington, DC 20003

Nearly 50 D.C. National Guard Soldiers will be honored, including 21 from the 104th Maintenance Co. and 547th Transportation Co., who were deployed to Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These dedicated and brave Guardsmen and women volunteered to stay an additional six months after the completion of their tour.

Family, friends and employers will gather to celebrate the soldiers' successful deployment and safe return. The soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ceremony will honor the patriotism, courage and sacrifices of each soldier. Freedom Salute also honors the soldiers' families, friends and employers who provide invaluable support to deployed Guardsmen and women.

For more information, contact the Public Affairs Office at (202) 821-7181 or kevin..m.mcandrews@us..army.mil.