Pontotoc County residents are readying a send-off for the members of the 155th National Guard.

The parade of honor is set for Thursday, April 9, down Main Street at 11 a.m.

Captain Shawn Davis said there are 131 guardsmen that will be deployed to Iraq the first of May.

Tentative plans are for a parade to begin at the Junior High parking lot on the north end of town. The guard will march south to the court square with special speeches set on the square.

In the event of rain, the speeches will be held inside the family life building at First Baptist Church.

Captain Davis expressed his appreciation for the plans that are being set.

“Thank you so much for your support of our unit,” he said.

Davis also said that by March 21, the unit will be “pretty much on active duty until we return from Iraq.”

At this point, the guard anticipates having to report to Camp Shelby as a unit on Sunday, May 3, however, no one will know that exact date until 30 days from the orders.

The community is planning for folks to be lining the streets, giving the guard applause as they travel from the armory, south through the city to Highway 41 south.

More information on the April 9 and May ceremonies will be given as plans are made.