The Twelve Hundred

Record setting re-up - 4 July 2008. 1,215 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines take the oath of enlistment once again, in Baghdad:

The best quote of the event comes from MNF-I Command Sergeant Major Marvin Hill: "I'll always remember the message you've sent to the adversary: the same guys and girls who've been kicking your butt for the past five years signed up for some more."

More video below. Don't miss it!

Update: I've replaced the Youtube videos with higher quality versions from the MilBlogs Channel on Blip TV.

Troops Re-enlist on Independence Day

BAGHDAD — Servicemembers from all over Iraq gathered here today in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day.

All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated by raising their right hand and pledging to continue defending the ‘land of the free’ in what is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, according to the Multi-National Force – Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill.

“Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is both noble and inspiring,” said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq. “It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services.”

Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.

"We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq," Hill said. “These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting.”

All together, the servicemembers pledged more than 5,500 years of additional service to their country.

“It makes me feel proud to serve this great nation,” said Spc. Zackary Cunningham, mechanic, 602nd Maintenance Battalion, Tactical Base Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.

The re-enlistees have every right to feel proud, according to Petraeus.

“You and your comrades here have been described as America’s new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description,” Petraeus said. “It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.”

(MNF-I Press Release)

Update - Via email:

Thank you for posting those re-enlisting video's of our servicemen. I am one of those Mom' s that their son was re-enlisting at that location. You gave me a priceless gift, one that I will cherish always. I didn't see him, but you enabled me to attend his second enlistment.

Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taping and posting these. This made our July 4th complete.

Sincerely
milmom03

You can witness most of the ceremony (not just the actual reenlistment) here. And if you've got a blog (or other web site) please feel free to embed those videos - no credit to me is needed. There are 1200 other moms (and dads, and husbands, wives, and kids) out there who would probably love to see the videos of this event, and you can help make it happen.

And thanks to Hot Air, American Power, and Libertarian Republican for helping spread the word!