Spartan Soldiers celebrate 4th of July in Iraq
By Spc. Dustin Gautney, 2nd HBCT Public Affairs, 2nd "Spartan" Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Jul 12, 2010 - 10:33:56 PM
Blackanthem Military News
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| Capping off the 4th of July celebrations at Contingency Operating Site Marez/Diamondback, in Mosul, Iraq, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fired illumination rounds in lieu of fireworks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dustin Gautney) |
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq - The sounds of games and the smell of backyard barbeque are a familiar part of Fourth of July celebrations. It was no different for Soldiers deployed to Mosul, Iraq, as the Spartans of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division came together to celebrate the birth of their nation.
The event, held at the Contingency Operating Site Marez Community Activity Center, featured various games, ranging from Sumo wrestling to dunk tanks, and of course, barbeque.
"It's truly a great day to be an American and for all of us to come together and celebrate our nation's independence," said guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Valmond Martin, 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID.
"To many Americans, the Fourth of July is a time for backyard barbeques and quality time with their family and fireworks. However for a U.S. Soldier, it means so much more," Command Sgt. Maj. Martin said. "Most importantly, we all take the time to reflect on all the achievements of the Soldiers that came before us and those that sacrificed themselves to forge our nation."
CommandSergeant Major Martin noted the U.S.' battle for independence lasted eight years, the same amount of time the U.S. has been in Iraq. It's also our hope as Soldiers, that one day the people of Iraq would be able to celebrate, just as we do, their nation's independence.
Just like the July 4, 1777 celebration, the festivities were capped off by COS Marez' own version of fireworks - illumination rounds provided by the Spartan's 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery.
"It couldn't be the 4th of July without fireworks, and there is nothing better than having them fired from the field artillery," said Lt. Col. Thomas Williams, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery commander.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| To cap off the 4th of July celebrations at Contingency Operating Site Marez/Diamondback, in Mosul, Iraq, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fired illumination rounds in lieu of fireworks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dustin Gautney) |
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| Spc. Richard Ingalsbe, B. Co. 26th BSB, 2nd HBCT, 3ID, takes a shot at the goal during the air hockey tournament at the Community Activity Center on Contingency Operating Site Marez during 2nd Brigade's 4th of July celebration in Mosul, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dustin Gautney) |
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| Spc. Irving Sotonegron, A. Co. 26 BSB, 2nd HBCT, 3ID, lines up a shot, during the level one pool championships during the 2nd Brigade's July 4th celebration at the Community Activity Center on Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Gregory Gieske) |
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