"The Vietnam vets are some of our main supporters," said Lisa Texeira, wife of Sgt. Christopher Texeira and one of the event organizers. "When they came home, they got the short end of the straw. They're making sure our soldiers don't suffer the same thing they did. We're extremely grateful for their help."

Co-sponsors of the parade are Maui County, which provided a $10,000 grant, and the Vietnam Veterans of Maui County, which lent its nonprofit status to enable organizers to accept the grant. The Vietnam veterans will be handing out gifts including hotel stays and massages to the newly returned soldiers.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Maui Family YMCA on Kanaloa Avenue, with more than 100 military vehicles and nearly 1,000 participants from businesses and other organizations.

The parade will end at the War Memorial Complex, site of the rest of the day's festivities lasting until 4 p.m. There will be keiki activities, food booths and military displays, with entertainment by Richard Ho'opi'i, Raiatea Helm, Brandy Souza, members of the Society of SeveniLas Vegas, and the dance troupe Te Mau Merahi.

According to Texeira, organizers felt it was important to allow the community to express its appreciation to the soldiers and let them reconnect with their neighbors.

Bill Stroud, president of the Vietnam Veterans of Maui County, said: "We need to welcome them home, say thanks and say, 'If there's anything we can do for you, let us know.' It's good to just let them know you're glad they're back as your neighbor."

Lynn Araki-Regan, county economic development coordinator, said county employees are being urged to express their appreciation to the reservists for providing "the necessary protection for our freedom."

Members of Maui Peace Action, which has staged several protests during the course of the Iraq war, are planning to display signs along the parade route.

"Contrary to what some veterans have expressed, we're not against the soldiers," said Mele Stokesberry of Maui Peace Action. "We'll be out there to say, 'Welcome home.' But we want them all to come home. While we support the troops, we also want to end the occupation of Iraq, stop the cycle of war and bring them all home."