THIS MIGHT GIVE YOU A SENSE of how important traditions are in the Army. Our guys take time to celebrate the Army's birthday in the midst of all the other things that need doing.

U.S. troops in Iraq celebrate birthdays with parties, even as battles rage.

On Saturday, festivities offered a bit of a break for some soldiers of the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division.

With cake, coffee, tunes from the 1st AD’s band and a motivational message from Gen. George S. Patton Jr. (well, a snippet from the movie “Patton” with George C. Scott), the troops marked the Army’s 228th birthday — this time in the lap of luxury.

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