BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command -- Operation Inherent Resolve service members joined Iraqi leaders to celebrate the Iraqi Armed Forces Day with an informal cake-cutting ceremony on Union III Jan. 6.
The ceremony commemorated the activation of the Iraqi Army on Jan. 6, 1921, and recognizes all Iraqi military services members.
"We are proud of our history," said Brig. Gen. Akram Abid Al-Latef, the air defense commander with the Iraqi army. "This is wonderful and a great opportunity."
Akram said the ongoing partnership with the multi-national CJFLCC coalition and the government of Iraq continues to support Iraq's goal of eliminating terrorist organizations and bring peace to Iraq.
"The U.S. has had a lot to do with building and increasing the effectiveness and capabilities of the Iraqi army," said U.S. Army Maj. Rocknee Gardner, battle major, 1st Infantry Division.
Gardner added that it is very important that they celebrate together as a coalition.
"It feels especially good for me," Gardner said. "Just watching them grow from 2003 to this point is a sense of accomplishment, so I'm happy for them."
Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, commander, 1st Inf. Div. and CJFLCC-OIR, cut the cake with Gen. Ahmed Abid Al-Nak Said, director, Combined Joint Operation Center -- Baghdad.
"There are Soldiers here that have fought bravely for years now and today we honor their service and look forward to our relationship together," Martin said. "May it last long to honor the legacy of both the Coalition and the Iraqi army service for their countries."
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