HOULTON – Besides the interminable thanks from the state and the nation, local soldiers who returned from serving in Iraq earlier this year will be getting another token of thanks today – a free pass to the Houlton Fair.

The Houlton Fair Association will be recognizing the Aroostook County contingent of the 152nd Field Artillery Unit, a National Guard troop that was deployed to Iraq last January. They spent 13 months overseas.

Most of the regiment spent their time guarding the Abu Ghraib prison.

The soldiers, their spouses and children will be receiving free admission to the fair today and will be recognized at a special ceremony later this evening. Other soldiers who have served overseas are also eligible for the pass.

After a concert by McGill’s Community Band and a patriotic fireworks display, Town Manager Douglas Hazlett and local and state representatives will host an appreciation ceremony.

Of the 112 soldiers from the unit who returned to the state in February, more than 50 were from Houlton, Presque Isle and Caribou.

All men and women who left came back alive.

Town councilors expressed appreciation to the soldiers at a meeting earlier this week. The panel issued a proclamation declaring today Battery B/152nd Field Artillery Day.

Sen. Dean Clukey, Rep. Roger Sherman, Rep. Henry Joy and delegates from Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe’s offices are expected to be on hand to commend the troops at the 8 p.m. service.