On Saturday, May 1, at 1 p.m., the New Jersey National Guard will sponsor a “Salute the Troops” ceremony at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton to honor the 650 citizen-soldiers from the Garden State deploying to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

     Troops include members of the 50th Brigade Headquarters (Lawrenceville), 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry (Riverdale, Newark, Jersey City, Woodbridge); 2nd Battalion, 102nd Armor (Port Murray, Newton, Dover, Somerset, West Orange, Hackettstown) and 50th Finance Detachments (Flemington).

     The event will feature an Official Deployment Ceremony, a Parade of Troops and in addition to the troops' family members and friends, include participation by Governor James E. McGreevey, Commander-in-Chief of the New Jersey National Guard, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey; Brig. Gen.l Maria Falca-Dodson, Deputy Adjutant General; other local elected officials, community representatives, senior members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, veterans organizations, the Red Cross, USO, Salvation Army, Elks, Masons, and Family Program and Family Support personnel from around the state.

     The public is also invited to attend and give the troops a special send-off.

     Media wishing to cover the event must register with Staff Sgt. Harbison (609) 530-7088 - no later than 3 p.m., Friday, Apr. 30.