YAVORIV, Ukraine--Americans around the world celebrate Independence Day with food and friends. Deployed to Ukraine, as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, the Thunderbirds of the U.S. Army's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are, in this manner, your typical Americans.
Like their friends and families back in the states, the Soldiers celebrated the Fourth of July with a cookout and various sporting events. However, this year's celebration differed from years past.
It was, in fact, the multinational aspect of their mission that made this year's celebration significantly more meaningful.
"When we were a young country, many other nations, including some that we are serving with here, came to our aid to make sure we were successful," said Col. Elmer Holt, the chief of staff of the JMTG-U and the 45th IBCT, during a cake-cutting ceremony. "Now, here we are in Ukraine, training the Ukrainian army, alongside our allies, to make sure they too will be successful."
The JMTG-U is a coalition of U.S., U.K., Canadian, Polish, Lithuanian, Danish and Ukrainian service members dedicated to professionalizing Ukraine's army and building the country's training capacity by establishing a combat training center.
Three days prior, on Jul. 1, Canada celebrated the 150th anniversary of the unification of Canada.
Seven days prior, on Jun 28, Ukraine celebrated its 21st Constitution Day.
In a week when three nations are joined in like-minded celebrations of national unity and freedom, the struggles of a young democracy only help to reaffirm the strength of purpose the U.S. Soldiers bring to their mission in Ukraine.
"You all should be very proud," Holt said. "You should be proud not only of your service to our country, but also of what you're doing here for Ukraine and for their army."
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