Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Carkeet IV | Army Maj. Gen. James C. Boozer, Sr. (third from left), commanding general, U.S. Army...... read more read more
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CAMP ZAMA, Japan - More than 400 American and Japanese service members donned their dress uniforms while dignitaries, contractors and their spouses sported their evening dresses, tuxedos or Kimonos during the 240th Army Birthday Ball June 26, 2015, at Camp Zama, Japan.
Paying homage to this year's theme, “Trusted Professionals: Today and Tomorrow,” the ball combined the formalities of American military ceremonies, the traditions of Japanese celebrations, and the traits of a modern dance club to produce an engaging atmosphere that encouraged Americans and Japanese to eat, drink, dance and mingle with one another.
“We have a very special relationship with the [Japan Ground Self-Defense Force],” said Army Maj. Gen. James C. Boozer, Sr., commanding general U.S. Army Japan. “Many of them work, live and play with their American counterparts at Camp Zama.”
The celebration formally began when the official party – led by Boozer and Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, chief of staff, JGSDF – entered the ballroom. Shortly after taking their seats, a flag detail of U.S. and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers posted the colors. Minutes later, a lone Soldier removed the Army's official flag off its stand and marched toward the center of the ballroom. There, he held the colors in silence as Soldiers dressed in period uniforms representing the nation's major military conflicts since the American Revolution attached campaign streamers to the top of the flag staff. The flag bearer returned the colors to its stand only after all 188 streamers adorned the flag.
The evening's program complimented common Army Ball events such as proposing toasts, playing patriotic music and cutting the ceremonial cake with customs borrowed from the Land of the Rising Sun. Boozer and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric C. Dostie, command sergeant major, USARJ, joined their JGSDF counterparts in bashing open a barrel of Saki. Their act was punctuated by the pounding of drums as the Takeyama-Jiei drum team – a 17-man group serving in JGSDF's 31st Infantry Regiment – beat high tempo melodies to the delight of their mesmerized audience.
“We are honored to join our American allies as they celebrate the [U.S.] Army's birthday,” said Iwata. “I'm delighted that the JGSDF could contribute to the celebration with a few customs from our Japan … combining these traditions remind us of our close partnership between our two countries.”
The formalities even included a video greeting by American actor Gary Sinise not only known for his performances in internationally acclaimed films such as “Of Mice and Men (1992),” “Forrest Gump” and “Apollo 13,” but also for his active support in various veterans organizations and United States Overseas tours.
“I'm honored and thankful to speak with you tonight,” said Sinise. “24/7, you have remained ready to fight and win around the globe … I appreciate all the sacrifices you and your families have made to keep America and the Pacific region safe.”
Although the ball officially ended with the departure of the colors, the festivities continued as modern pop, rock and R&B music pumped through the sound system and inspired a majority of the guests to let loose on the dance floor. Even Boozer displayed his showmanship as he danced and lip synced to "Giddy Up," a rap song whose title shares with the unofficial motto of USARJ.
“An event like this requires an incredible amount of teamwork,” said Boozer. “Tonight's celebration is a testament of USARJ community's love for the United States Army and its respect of the JGSDF and the country it has sworn to defend. Ichi dan (one team)!”
See more photos from USARJ's 240th Army Birthday Ball at www.flickr.com/usarjnco.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.05.2015 08:47 |
| Story ID: | 169097 |
| Location: | CAMP ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 492 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The 240th Army Birthday Ball: US Army Japan style, by SFC John Carkeet IV, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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