Georgian battalion celebrates Independence Day (no Not That Georgia!)

Multi-National Forces-Iraq ^ | Pfc. Jason Dangel

[SandRat]

A formation of Georgian soldiers from the 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, listen to Capt. Lasha Karmazanashvili, commander, 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, during a Georgian Independence Day celebration Friday in Baghdad’s International Zone.

Col. Michael Beech, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, congratulates Georgian soldiers during a Georgian Independence day celebration.

Georgian battalion celebrates Independence Day

Story and photos by Pfc. Jason Dangel
4th Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The 22nd Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the Georgian army celebrated its country’s independence day in the International Zone Friday.

The Georgian Independence Day celebration, held at Forward Operating Base Union I, marked the day the country officially declared its independence from Russia in 1918.

The battalion is responsible for security operations in the IZ and works directly with Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Georgian army has been supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom since 2003.

Georgian Capt. Lasha Karmazanashvili, commander, 22nd Lt. Inf. Bn., 2nd Bde., thanked his soldiers for their contribution to their nation and their continued efforts in Iraq.

The battalion officially assumed responsibility for security operations from the Georgian army’s 21st Light Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade April 21. The unit is grateful to be part of the Coalition as they work to rebuild the Iraqi capitol, added Karmazanashvili.

“This day is a very important day not only for the Georgian people but the Georgian army,” said 1st Lt. Ambroladze, the battalion’s operations officer.

The battalion is constantly improving from their experience in Iraq, said Ambroladze. He said that it is great to celebrate Georgian Independence Day while bringing back knowledge that will ultimately benefit their country.

Col. Michael Beech, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, congratulated Georgian soldiers and thanked them for contributing to the mission in Iraq.

“It’s my distinct honor and pleasure to stand before you on your independence day,” said Beech to the large formation of Georgians participating in the celebration.

“I would like to thank you and your country for standing alongside your coalition partners in this great adventure,” said Beech. “Your contribution to the coalition and the mission here in Iraq is greater than you know. Simply stated, we could not do this without you.”

Independent from 1918-1921, Georgia was forcibly integrated into the Soviet Union following the Russian Revolution. Georgia declared its independence again upon the collapse of the Soviet regime in 1991.

In 1992, the country became the 179th member of the United Nations.

[Mrs. Shawnlaw]

Wasn't the South and Deep South always a bit reluctant to celebrate July 4th?

[MarMema]

I was in Georgia last year for this celebration. It was truly lovely.

Thanks for posting this!

[SandRat]

Well,... not until the unpleasantness between the States.