Blue Star Chronicles

There was a huge ceremony in Baghdad today in which the American military celebrated Independence Day by reenlisting. Read about it below and see photos and a video.

Independence Day Reenlistments

You know things are better in Baghdad when soldiers who are current deployed choose to reenlist. When the reenlistment ceremony consist of 1,215 soldiers, then its a pretty good guess that things are a whole lot better.

Historically, when soldiers are deployed they tend to gripe and complain. That’s the nature of the beast. Its not that they don’t agree with the reasons we are at war. Its not that they wish they hadn’t joined the military. Its just that they gripe and complain. I’ve often heard that its when they aren’t griping and complaining that you need to worry about morale. I imagine that the men of Roman Legions griped their way across Europe. The Vikings probably griped and complained the entire trip across the sea on their way to pillage England and spread their DNA throughout Europe. Its just the way it is. The fact that so many soldiers chose to reenlist while they are deployed … a phenomenon that is not that common … tells us that morale is pretty good. Usually, they think about reenlisting once they are back home and comfortable again and able to look back on their experience at war with a clearer perspective.

Well, that’s what happened today in Baghdad. The enlistment ceremony was held at Al Faw Palace rotunda at Camp Victory, Baghdad and was performed by General David Petraeus.

You and your comrades here have been described as Americas new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description. It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.

HOOAH!!!!

Independence Day Reenlistments - Photos

Today is the 4th of July, Independence Day. A day American’s celebrate the day our forefathers declared independence from Britain. Its certainly a time in which we expect statements from our leaders. Generally they make a statement to the country about their love of our country and about the importance of remembering this day in our history.

Since this is an election year, we certainly expect that the presidential candidates would put out a statement on America’s Independence Day.

Here’s what the presidential candidates had to say …..

John McCain

John McCain’s 4th of July statement from his website:

As Americans, we are blessed to live in a free country that affords its citizens liberty and prosperity that people in other countries will never know. John McCain is proud to be an American and is constantly inspired by people he meets around the country who share in his love of our nation and all it represents.

During this Independence Day weekend, please take a moment to honor America and all that we are. Also, remember our military servicemen and women who are protecting our freedom across the globe and fighting for those who do not have the liberty our great country provides. Let us never forget those who have sacrificed before us to protect the United States and the values we hold dear.

4th of July

Barack Obama’s 4th of July statement:

Barack Obama

****cricket****cricket****cricket****cricket****cricket****cricket****cricket****cricket****cricket****

He must be too busy campaigning to make a 4th of July statement.

….. but don’t question his patriotism.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Wife

Finally, a photo of the Islamic Republic of Iran President Ahmadinejad’s wife!!! We still don’t know her name, but we finally have a picture of the woman who actually married the Aha-mama-jihad!! We do know that she has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and teaches in a university. We know that she likes traveling with her husband in the official presidential airplane all over the world and that she has influenced her husband on women’s rights in Iran. I’ve noticed how open-minded he is in regards to women’s rights - haven’t you?

So here she is. Isn’t she lovely?

Click Image For Full Size

Lance Cpl. Julie Martinez

Lance Cpl. Julie Martinez, a radio operator with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks the communication capabilities during a back load of Marines from Combat Logistics Regiment 3 to the USS Essex June 9.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We’re In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don’t Know Where To Look

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