Soldiers Sworn In - New Citizens and Reenlistments
So, what did you do on the Fourth of July?
In Baghdad, Soldiers became Citizens,
Reenlisted,
and celebrated Independence Day!
During the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony July 4, 2007, at Camp Victory, Iraq, today 588 troops reenlisted and 161 were naturalized as American citizens. U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Jess Kent
Soldiers swear the Oath of Enlistment during the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony July 4, 2007, at Camp Victory, Iraq. During the ceremony, 588 troops reenlisted and 161 were naturalized as American citizens.
Army Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force-Iraq, addresses hundreds of troops during the Multi-National Force-Iraq Reenlistment, Naturalization and Independence Day Ceremony July 4, 2007, at Camp Victory, Iraq.July 4, 2007 was a memorable day for 749 soldiers at Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, in Baghdad, Iraq ~ 588 reenlisted and 166 were sworn in as citizens of the United States of America. AND, they all celebrated Independence Day!
Army General David Petraeus, commanding General of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq, administered the Oath of Enlistment.
He said, "This morning we pay tribute to the American ideals we all hold so dear in several significant ways. First, by conducting what surely is the largest reenlistment event ever held in Iraq and perhaps in our Armed Forces' history, then by celebrating the granting of American citizenship to a group of troopers who have already pledged their loyalty to our nation by putting their lives on the line for it, and finally by observing the 231st birthday of our great nation."
"No bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you has made and continues to make as a custodian of our nation's defenses. Nor can any amount of money compensate you adequately for the sacrifices you make serving here in Iraq or the burdens your loved ones face at home in your absence. And we certainly cannot put a price on the freedoms you defend or those we are trying to help the Iraqis establish and safeguard here in the land of the two rivers." Petraeus reminded us that most of the reenlistees were on second and third deployments to a combat zone, and they made a decision based on far more than any bonus.
Addressing the Soldiers about to become citizens, Petraeus dedicated the ceremonies to two soldiers who died fighting for America before they could be sworn in as citizens: SGT Kimel Watt and SPC Farid Elazzousi. "They were lost giving the last full measure of devotion for a country that would have become fully theirs today."
Petraeus said the deaths are reminders that freedom comes at a very high cost, which must never be forgotten. Like these two soldiers, who fought and died with the American flag on their shoulders, he said the troops being naturalized as U.S. citizens were most deserving.
“When you enlisted into the Armed Forces you swore to support and defend a Constitution that did not yet fully apply to you,” Petraeus said. “You chose to endure the same sacrifices as your fellow comrades in arms to preserve the freedom of a land that was not yet fully yours. You accepted that you might have to pay the ultimate price on behalf of a nation to which you did not fully belong. Now, you will officially become citizens of the United States, a country to which each of you has already borne true faith and allegiance in your hearts and your deeds.”
Based on a story by Marine SGT Jess Kent, American Forces Press Service
Army General David Petraeus, commanding General of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq, administered the Oath of Enlistment.
He said, "This morning we pay tribute to the American ideals we all hold so dear in several significant ways. First, by conducting what surely is the largest reenlistment event ever held in Iraq and perhaps in our Armed Forces' history, then by celebrating the granting of American citizenship to a group of troopers who have already pledged their loyalty to our nation by putting their lives on the line for it, and finally by observing the 231st birthday of our great nation."
"No bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you has made and continues to make as a custodian of our nation's defenses. Nor can any amount of money compensate you adequately for the sacrifices you make serving here in Iraq or the burdens your loved ones face at home in your absence. And we certainly cannot put a price on the freedoms you defend or those we are trying to help the Iraqis establish and safeguard here in the land of the two rivers." Petraeus reminded us that most of the reenlistees were on second and third deployments to a combat zone, and they made a decision based on far more than any bonus.
Addressing the Soldiers about to become citizens, Petraeus dedicated the ceremonies to two soldiers who died fighting for America before they could be sworn in as citizens: SGT Kimel Watt and SPC Farid Elazzousi. "They were lost giving the last full measure of devotion for a country that would have become fully theirs today."
Petraeus said the deaths are reminders that freedom comes at a very high cost, which must never be forgotten. Like these two soldiers, who fought and died with the American flag on their shoulders, he said the troops being naturalized as U.S. citizens were most deserving.
“When you enlisted into the Armed Forces you swore to support and defend a Constitution that did not yet fully apply to you,” Petraeus said. “You chose to endure the same sacrifices as your fellow comrades in arms to preserve the freedom of a land that was not yet fully yours. You accepted that you might have to pay the ultimate price on behalf of a nation to which you did not fully belong. Now, you will officially become citizens of the United States, a country to which each of you has already borne true faith and allegiance in your hearts and your deeds.”
Based on a story by Marine SGT Jess Kent, American Forces Press Service
2 comments:
this is funny, i saw this on fox last night and while traveling was going to do a post, I googled bagdad reenlistments and your blog came up.
Sarge - that is great! Thanks for sharing it with me!
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