The men and women serving overseas often have to give up their holidays in order for us to enjoy ours. However, even in the midst of their combat assignment, many of the active-duty soldiers still find time to celebrate with one another. Their Christmas time activities might look a little different, however.
A video posted to YouTube offers viewers a glimpse of what Christmas is like for soldiers deployed in the Middle East. To mark the occasion, troops put on a very interesting military-themed holiday parade.
Check out how these troops ring in the holidays in the video below:
According to the video’s uploader, the celebration was organized by Delta Company 3/140th Aviation Regiment of the United States Army. The soldiers featured in the clip were stationed in Afghanistan.
In the video, troops can be seen dressed up as various Christmas characters. The soldiers also decorated their vehicles and equipment for the occasion as well. With plenty of lights and decorations spread about, the scene certainly brings some Christmas cheer.
Soldiers from Delta Company 3/140th Aviation Regiment of the United States Army put on a Christmas parade in Afghanistan. (G3SM/YouTube)
While the parade is primarily holiday-themed, there is of course an element of U.S. Army to it all as well. Humvees are covered with tinsel and wreaths, a Santa Claus in sunglasses sits behind a machine gun, and elves walk down the street surrounded by fully-equipped soldiers. A group of twelve servicemen can also be seen dressed up in antlers as Santa’s reindeer.
Soldiers from Delta Company 3/140th Aviation Regiment of the United States Army put on a Christmas parade in Afghanistan. (G3SM/YouTube)
Not only is the parade a morale booster for the troops, but it also brings together members of the local community as well. Local Afghanis can be seen watching the parade go by and waving to the brave men and women tasked with protecting their community.
Soldiers from Delta Company 3/140th Aviation Regiment of the United States Army put on a Christmas parade in Afghanistan. (G3SM/YouTube)
While holidays away from friends and family can certainly be tough, it is all part of the job for a U.S. Army soldier. Average deployment for troops in Afghanistan range anywhere between nine and fifteen months, with many soldiers serving multiple tours.
Today, more than 60,000 troops remained deployed in various parts of the Middle East.
