The U.S. military in Iraq celebrated July 4th with what it billed as "the largest reenlistment ceremony ever held," as 1,215 soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen raised their hands and re-pledged allegiance to the United States.

Gen. David Petraeus, head of Central Command, administered the oath in Saddam Hussein's former Al-Faw Palace. John Phillip Sousa's marches blended with roars of "hooah!" and "oorah!" from the men and women, many of them carrying their weapons, as they re-upped.

Before an immense American flag hung in the rotunda of the palace, which is now the headquarters of the U.S. military in Iraq, the troops saluted Petraeus, then sang "God Bless America."

Money was an incentive for many, but so was a belief in what they're doing more than five years into a war far away from their homes. Hundreds were in their second and third tours in the combat zone.

"There's no place I'd rather be to celebrate America's birthday than here in Iraq," Petraeus said. "The troops' commitment and sacrifice, he added, have given the Iraqi people "the most precious gift ... freedom."

Across Iraq, there were no family barbecues and no fireworks, but Staff Sgt. Edgar Covarrubias, stationed in Baqouba northeast of Baghdad, said he'd call his mom, wife and kids to share the day anyway.

America's Independence Day was a normal work day for most U.S. troops. But the military threw in a taste of home at larger bases with ribs, corn on the cob, and red, white and blue cake.

The holiday is even leaner at smaller outposts closer to the violence, where it comes with a can of meat, some cookies and a job not yet done. Things were relatively quiet Friday, giving the troops who weren't on duty time to watch movies on their laptops and instant message with friends back home.

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