I'm embedded with the U.S. Army's 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division in southern Iraq. Yesterday, we attended Iraqi Army Day festivities in the town of Amarah in Maysan Province, which borders Iran. Some of the tribal sheikhs, provincial politicians, local journalists and Iraqi commanders in the audience expressed deep concerns over Iran's growing influence on Iraqi security forces, especially the militia-ridden police forces. But more on that later.

The day was a happy one for the young Iraqi forces who clearly took great pride in their service, exhibiting their newfound skills in a military parade that involved troops jumping through burning rings of fire, an Iraqi soldier in a protective suit disabling a homemade bomb and camouflaged commandos jumping from the backs of moving trucks.

Sure, a couple of U.S. Apache helicopters flew directly overhead at one point, drowning out the keynote speaker, but the day really did belong to Iraqis. A small group of U.S. officers watched from the reviewing stand at the invitation of their Iraqi counterparts. They made no speeches and kept a respectful distance, applauding along with the rest of the audience when some adorable local children sang patriotic songs during the festivities.

How self-sufficient Iraqi forces will be in the future is another matter altogether. Still, it was refreshing to see an all-Iraqi show of force.

Here are a few photos from Iraqi Army Day: