DELAVAN - Riley Close, 10, waved a tiny American flag Monday as his stepfather and 59 other Illinois National Guard soldiers paraded through downtown Delavan on their way to the Middle East. | Video | Monday photos | Sunday photos

"God bless the soldiers," the fourth-grader said as he stood near the corner of Fourth and Locust streets with classmates from his Delavan elementary school. "I kind of feel bad but I'm glad he will be serving his country."

Minutes later, Riley stood at nearby Veterans Park, where his stepfather, SFC David Holland, and other soldiers from the 1144th Transportation Battalion would depart in buses. The soldiers' first destination was a camp in Indiana for more training before going to Kuwait.

Riley fought back tears just before Holland departed and replied "I'm fine" when his teacher, Jill Diekhoff, asked if she could help.

Pride and tears were everywhere as the tiny Tazewell County village wished departing soldiers well. "We know how to send soldiers off. It's part of being a small town," said village Clerk Penny Bright.

The parade featured bagpipes and marching scouts, with the departing soldiers bringing up the rear. Yellow ribbons, American flags and posters were everywhere as hundreds of people lined the streets. Riley was one of numerous Delavan students at the parade. Principal Paul Lewis said the students were allowed to be present "to be part of history."

Bob Pullum, 78, of Delavan, a veteran of World War II and Korea, wore his American Legion hat as he saluted passing soldiers. "I feel sorry about them leaving, but somebody has got to do it," Pullum said.

Roberta Deet of San Jose saw off her son, SPC David Frederick. The family vehicle had her son's name written on it.

"I'm on an emotional roller coaster," Deet said.

Delavan resident Tammy Carson took off a few minutes from a downtown Delavan medical complex to encourage the departing troops. "We consider the National Guard a part of our community even though they may not all live here," Carson said.

Master Sgt. David Hultquist was among the soldiers leaving for duty.

"I'm sad that he's going, but it's the business we're in," said his wife, Sharon Hultquist of Delavan, who also is a member of the National Guard. She brought son Peyton, 6, and daughter Sydney, 8, to the sendoff ceremony.

"I got a hug and quick kiss right before he boarded the bus," said Hultquist, who expects her husband to be gone a little over a year. "Being a dual military couple, we're used to having to deal with things by ourselves."

A hug from her son forced her to crack a smile. "I love Daddy," Peyton said.