Vanguard Brigade holds tree lighting ceremony

Photo By Spc. Amanda McBride | The leadership of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, leads the gathering into "Silent Night" at the Vanguard Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Dec. 17.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

12.20.2007

Story by Spc. Amanda McBride 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Pfc. Amanda McBride
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., welcomed in the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 17.

Positioned in front of the brigade headquarters building, Soldiers formed a horseshoe formation around the tree before the ceremony started.

The ceremony began with Soldiers from various Vanguard battalions joining together to sing Christmas carols.

During the ceremony, Col. Thomas James, commander of 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., expressed the desire to celebrate Christmas as an Army family even though troops are separated from their families back home.

"The holiday season is a very tough season to be deployed away from home because by nature and by the way it's organized, holidays are situated around the family," James said. "But just as Soldiers always do, we make the best of the circumstance and the environment we are in."

After lighting the tree, Soldiers mingled and enjoyed refreshments including hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.

Before the ceremony ended, James reminded the Soldiers about the importance of their sacrifices.

"Christmas is a time for giving, and I can't think of any more of an important gift than the gift of freedom," James said. "And that's what sacrifice you all are making to be away from your family during the holiday season – for the people of Iraq, the international community and ultimately for our homeland."

• Date Taken: 12.20.2007
• Date Posted: 12.20.2007 14:35
• Story ID: 14888
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ