Photo By Sgt. Matthew Wester | Macedonian pop star Aleksandra Pileva sings the Macedonian national anthem during a...... read more read more
Sgt. Matthew Wester
3/1 AD PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- Macedonian Rangers stood in formation and proudly displayed their nation's red-and-gold flag during a special visit from Defense Minister Jovan Manasijevski Oct. 11.
The Defense Minister, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Miroslav Stojanovski, the senior officer of the Macedonian Armed Forces, spoke to the Soldiers, toured the Macedonian living quarters and discussed military issues with American officers of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division.
"This is a special day for us," Manasijevski said "We are celebrating with our troops our national holiday of liberation from the Germans in 1944."
Manasijevski said his country was the only one in Europe to liberate itself from the Germans with native troops and that the Macedonian Rangers serving in Iraq are continuing a legacy of freedom fighting.
He said service in Iraq was "a unique opportunity in the process of shaping our armed forces."
The Republic of Macedonia is a nation in southeastern Europe, north of Greece and west of Bulgaria. Most Americans know it as the birthplace of Alexander the Great.
Manasijevski said his country is committed to being a part of the Multi-National Coalition in Iraq.
"We will stay until the mission is accomplished," he said.
Lt. Col. Anthony Wright, commander of 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Bde., 1st Armored Div., is happy to have the Macedonian Rangers serving as a quick-reaction force for his battalion. He said he served with Macedonians during the liberation of Iraq in 2003 and asked to work with them again during this tour.
Wright said the Ranger Platoon is a very professional, disciplined unit and has contributed greatly to his unit's operations northwest of Baghdad.
Stojanovski, chief of staff of Macedonia's Army and part of the group of officials who visited Camp Taji, told his Soldiers he has received feedback from American officers about the professionalism and skill of the Macedonian Rangers.
The officials brought the Rangers a special surprise from their native land.
Aleksandra Pileva, a well-known Macedonian singer performed with the 3rd Infantry Division "Fokus Band." She delighted the troops with an emotional rendition of the Macedonian national anthem and then sang American pop songs.
The Soldiers also spoke with reporters from their home country, allowing them to send messages to their families hundreds of miles away.
| Date Taken: | 10.19.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 10.19.2005 13:06 |
| Story ID: | 3403 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 29 |
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