(14 Feb 2004)
1. Various of US soldiers in formation with flags
2. Various of Iraqi guests
3. US troops marching
4. Various of flag being rolled up and put into case
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Colonel Russell Gold, Commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team:
"We are here to make life better for the Iraqi people and in doing so we are making the world a better place for all. These children will say that these soldiers paid for their freedoms with their own blood, sweat and tears. This legacy is what the price of glory will buy. The price has been paid in full by the Third Bulldog Brigade Combat Team of the First Armoured Division."
6. Various of US soldiers unwrapping and unfurling flag
7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Colonel Michael Formica, Commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team:
"The soldiers of this brigade will fight to maintain security while helping your security forces continue to take an increasing role over time. We will continue to assist you in realising your certain steps towards democracy and we will assist you in improving the quality of life within your neighbourhoods."
8. Members of Iraqi Civil Defence Force standing to attention
9. Various of band playing
10. Various of ceremony
STORYLINE:
US soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, took part in a handover ceremony with troops from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in Baghdad on Friday.
The outbound soldiers of the 1st Armoured Division will be soon heading home to the United States.
Members of the Iraqi Civil Defence Force also attended the ceremony.
Colonel Michael Formica, of the 1st Cavalry Division''s 2nd Brigade, said their aim was to continue helping the Iraqi people move towards democracy.
Some three-thousand soldiers from the 2nd Brigade have already arrived in Baghdad from Fort Hood, Texas.
The division changes are part of a scheduled rotation in which nearly 130-thousand American forces who have been in Iraq will leave and be replaced by about 110-thousand fresh troops by this summer.
The 1st Armoured Division will reduce the number of its operating bases in Baghdad until it hands over responsibility to the 1st Cavalry Division on May 1.
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