THE FLAGS were flying early and proudly last week for the emotional return of about 100 Army Reservist soldiers from the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) after a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq. The members of the 316th, a logistical unit based in Coraopolis, received a rousing welcome with an Army band playing. Family and friends laughed and cried at the official reception in the auditorium of Moon Area High School. Beyond the personal joy and community celebration, it was another reminder that however Americans may differ about the Iraq war, when it comes to the troops themselves, it's United We Stand. Welcome home, members of the 316th -- and thank you.

RETURNING TROOPS may find that it's the same old same old Pittsburgh. This past week brought news that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is working on eight more bridges to correct rocker-bearing problems in the aftermath of what was learned about the cause of the southbound span of the Birmingham Bridge collapsing onto a pier Feb. 8. PennDOT said the bridges needed quick attention, although some of the problems are minor and the traveling public is not in danger.

SOME COME home, some leave -- in Marian Hossa's case to Detroit, of all places. To the large disappointment of Penguins fans, Sidney Crosby's right winger has signed a one-year $7.4 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings when he could have had a multi-year contract with the home team. He told reporters in a conference call from Europe that it was all about picking the team with the best chance to win the Stanley Cup -- and that would be the team that recently beat the Pens in the final. Hey, what's he talking about? We got 'em beat next year! Get outta town!