DALTON, Ga. — When the classic song “Stand by Me” came over the loudspeaker Monday morning in First Presbyterian Church, the sentiment was right, but the lyrics weren’t.

“I won’t cry,” the woman on stage sang. “No, I won’t shed a tear.”

But soldiers, spouses, parents and children were wiping their cheeks between hugs and kisses. It was the goodbye ceremony for the Georgia National Guard’s 1/108th Cavalry Regiment, known as “C-Troop,” and it seemed all 500 people in the room were having trouble letting go.

“Somebody’s got to do it, but it’s always sad when it’s one of your own,” said Dolores Martin, whose nephew, 20-year-old Cody Cox, is one of 85 soldiers scheduled to leave with the 1/108th for training and then a yearlong tour in Afghanistan early this morning.

Because the departure was so early, family members came together Monday for a send-off at the church, including an emotional delivery of letters from soldiers to their loved ones. The envelopes were sealed and meant to be opened if the soldiers didn’t return home, though many in the crowd couldn’t wait and ripped into them immediately.

The soldiers then filled two bright-yellow school buses to circle the downtown area and wave to supporters who dotted the sidewalks, braving the cold in the name of patriotism.

Terry Peden, of Varnell, Ga., isn’t related to any of the soldiers, but he drove into town with his mother, Joan Peden, to watch the motorcade anyway.

“I just feel for them,” Mr. Peden said. “They’re going to be seeing some things that nobody should ever have to see.”

Ms. Peden stood by, blowing kisses and waving as the soldiers passed.

“Bless their hearts,” she said.

Afterward, the families and community members gathered at Dalton’s National Guard Armory for one last reception.

Melissa Bennett, of Cleveland, Tenn., said she was cherishing the last moments she was getting to spend with her husband, Spc. Gill Barrett.

“Out of five years of marriage, he’s been gone for three!” she exclaimed.