More than 1,200 soldiers serving in Iraq gave America a precious gift today.

BAGHDAD (AFP) - More than 1,200 US troops serving in Iraq signed up for extended service in the military to mark America’s national day on Friday.

At least 1,215 troops re-enlisted for periods ranging from two to six years at the ceremony held at the spacious Al-Faw palace of executed dictator Saddam Hussein near Baghdad airport.

General David Petraeus, the head of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, said he was “proud of their decision to re-enlist and help the people of Iraq win their most important battle ... freedom.”

The US military has regularly re-enlisted service members in Iraq but Friday’s swearing-in was one of the largest, the military said.