WEST PARIS – With flags dancing to the sound of patriotic music, more than 200 people gathered here Sunday to honor U.S. troops in Iraq.

Color guards from local American Legion posts made up the tip of the parade’s spear. The Marine Corps League, legion auxiliary members, scouts and children from the Agnes Gray and Legion Memorial schools formed the spear’s shaft.

They were joined by West Paris and Woodstock fire department units. Paraders marched from Trap Corner to the town war memorial in center village.

Event organizer Doreen Wilbur tells why she wanted to bolster spirits on the homefront: “It has worried me to see people marching against the war and not rallying for the troops. I don’t want to see our troops come home when the war ends and be spit on like they did after Vietnam. If our troops could see the peace marches that have and are still going on, they would not feel very much support.”

Wilbur’s son served in Operation Desert Storm, the first Gulf War, in the early 1990s. She said she’s proud of him for standing up for America’s freedom.

She’s just as proud of the troops there today.

Delwin Wilson led a brief ceremony at the war memorial. He’s commander of the Ring-McKeen American Legion Post on West Paris.

Wilson said, “We are here to honor and show our support for our troops in Iraq. Today is about thanking them for the sacrifice they are making for their country. Be proud of them, send them mail and care packages to let the rest of the world know we are proud of them. And when they come home, welcome them for the heroes they are.”

Wilson placed yellow ribbons on the staff beneath the flag at the memorial.

He said they’ll remain there as a reminder that the people of West Paris support the men and women serving in Iraq.

Along with honoring U.S. troops, organizers also displayed the British flag, a show of respect for the nation’s European friend and ally.