On Independence Day in Iraq, 588 U.S. troops gathered to recite the Oath of Reenlistment in what is thought to be one of the largest wartime reenlistment ceremonies in America's history.

Standing shoulder to shoulder at Camp Victory in Baghdad, they listened with pride as General David Petraeus, commander of Multi-National Forces -- Iraq, extolled their courage and commitment:

"No bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you has made and continues to make as a custodian of our nation's defenses," General Petraeus said.

After the troops recited the Oath of Reenlistment, Arizona Senator John McCain offered his praise:

"We have incurred a debt to you that we can never repay in full," Senator McCain said.

While reenlisting in a time of war is a notable act of courage on its own, General Petraeus and Senator McCain both pointed out that many of those who took the oath did so after completing two or more tours in Iraq.

Courage of this magnitude deserves special recognition, and that is exactly what these men and women received on America's 231st birthday.

In addition to accolades from America's top military commander in Iraq and the esteem of Arizona's senior senator, those who reenlisted on Independence Day were given a distinctive medallion as a tangible reward for their sacrifice.

Northwest Territorial Mint -- a recognized leader in creating custom challenge coins for all branches of America's military -- created the medallion for the event.

The shield-shaped medallion features a stunning rendering of the official MNF-I patch, which captures the spirit of camaraderie between American and Iraqi forces.