Living up to General David Petraeus’s description of today’s Brave Men and Women comprising our All Volunteer Military, The New Greatest Generation, 1,215 gathered on the Fourth of July at Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day.

These Brave Young Volunteers hear all the doom and gloom and manipulative reports from the lamestream media about their Brave Efforts and still, they come together to pledge over 5,500 years of additional service to our country.

They’ve seen war, up close and personal and kno more what is at risk than all the Cindy Sheehans and Medea Benjamins running around bad mouthing the president and the Troops efforts. And yet, they still come continue serving and lifting up a struggling ally so others may share in the very freedoms so many in America take for granted.

Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill said this is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973. Sgt. Major Hill added, “We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq. These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting.”

Gen. Petraeus, who presided over the ceremony said, “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. It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you,” addressing the re-enlistees.

Americans should be in awe of these Brave Young Warriors who willfully place themselves between us and our enemies. It is with the greatest of pride that I welcome them as my Brothers and Sisters.