The welcome home parade for James Bryant Davis was announced to the town through the loud speaker on the ambulance that drove around the community of about 700 residents announcing Davis' arrival.

About 20 minutes later, at 2 p.m., Davis and his family turned off state Route 21 onto the decorated street, where the crowd greeted him waving flags and banners proclaiming "Welcome Home."

Davis was put on top of a bright red firetruck for the procession, led by the ambulance and a Beaver County sheriff's escort.

As the crowd cheered and shouted his name, Davis waved back. He was still in military fatigues, and a little tired from the long trip home from Baghdad.

Davis joined the Army after graduating from Beaver High School in 2001. He was sent to Baghdad last August with the HHC 16th Engineer Battalion.

When he climbed down from the truck Friday, he was swarmed by well wishers, many of whom have known him all his life.

"It's good to be home, among family and friends," Davis said. "I know I'm related to a lot of people here, but I had no idea that there were so many people that cared."

Not wanting to disappoint anyone Friday, Davis stood patiently in the midday sun and shook every hand, returned every hug and signed dozens of autographs.

No one was happier than Davis' mother, Nina.

"I've been crying for three days waiting for him," she said.

Town residents Jim Pomeroy and his wife, Gail, greeted Davis waving a 6-foot flag.

"I love my country, and I'm proud of Jimmy," said Jim Pomeroy.

Mayor Robert Craw declared Minersville the most patriotic town in America.

He said Davis is probably looking forward to the quiet comforts of home after a year in the foreign capital.

"I bet Jimmy wants to do everything he can," said Craw. "Except go camping."