LEWISTON – About 125 Army reservists from Maine and New Hampshire were reunited with their loved ones Monday in an emotional celebration that followed a 13-month deployment to Iraq. It was the second military unit in as many days to receive a heroes’ welcome in Maine.

Members of the 619th Transportation Company marched down the center aisle of the Old Lewiston Armory after their arrival home by bus. Most of the returning soldiers are from Maine, with seven from New Hampshire.

The crowd cheered the returnees and the sound of bagpipes filled the air. The armory was festooned with flags, welcome-home banners and red and white balloons, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“This couldn’t be a better Valentine’s present for the state of Maine,” said Gov. John Baldacci, who was on hand for the troops’ arrival.

Other speakers included the mayors of Lewiston and Auburn and the 619th’s commanding officer, Capt. Victoria Grasmick, a Minnesotan.

“Somehow this day got here,” said Grasmick, who expressed pride in her unit’s performance.

The company, which suffered no casualties during its deployment, was responsible for transporting water and supplies from its base north of Baghdad. Its members completed 278 missions and drove 1.2 million miles while in Iraq. Officials say 20 members remained behind in Kuwait to complete the unit’s work.

On Sunday, more than 100 members of the 152nd Field Artillery battalion of Maine Army National Guard flew into Bangor from Fort Dix, N.J., after serving for nearly a year in Iraq.

Shortly after their arrival, battalion members, who served as military police in Iraq, were reunited with their families at the Bangor Civic Center.