Warm welcome home for Mass. National Guard troops in Melrose

MELROSE, Mass. — A warm welcome home on a freezing night, dozens gathered in Melrose to greet the National Guard as they returned home from Washington, D.C. Saturday.

“I’m glad to see they’re back home and they’re home safe,” said Ron Deroche, a Melrose resident.

About 500 soldiers were deployed from Massachusetts to help with security during the presidential inauguration.

This was a top priority after the attack on the Capitol two weeks before.

“I’m just happy that they were there to help keep this process going,” said Kevin Gentile.

Melrose mayor Paul Brodeur says he’s proud of this community for coming out to show support for the troops.

“We have this idea that folks go overseas or whatever the case, but they were staying close to home and doing what needed to be done to make sure the transition of power as it’s always been – was peaceful,” said Mayor Brodeur. “We couldn’t be more grateful.”

“I think the families of these great soldiers and airmen should be very proud to see the citizen soldiers, they left their jobs and their family on a very short notice,” said Commander Thomas Clark, who commands the First Battalion of the 182nd Infantry Regiment.

Clark says they’re glad to be back after a job well done.

“Whatever was going to come, we were going to ensure the peaceful transfer of power and I think it’s something we all take great pride in,” said Clark. “To see a president that is sworn into office, it really is something you can take great pride in.”

The commander also says Gov. Charlie Baker made sure to provide every soldier with a rapid COVID-19 test as soon as they came back.

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