US troops celebrate Independence Day

U.S. troops on foreign territory celebrate their country's independence day.

These soldiers in Afghanistan marked the 4th of July with an army band and a huge cake made in the colours of the American flag.

The U.S. commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan said his country was a symbol of freedom.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. COMMANDER OF NATO FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN, GENERAL JOHN ALLEN:

"We are here today to celebrate the triumph of an idea that freedom will prevail in the face of adversity. We celebrate the birth of a nation, a democracy that has served as the symbol of freedom and an inspiration for those seeking to overcome oppression."

U.S. troops living in Australia marked the occasion with a barbecue serving burgers and hotdogs, as well as a game of soft ball.

The soldiers are stations in the Northern Territory as part of a recent agreement with the Australian government to position 2,500 marines at a base in Darwin.

Independence Day commemorates the signing of the U.S declaration of Independence in 1775 which proclaimed the 13 American colonies free and independent states.

Simon Hanna, Reuters.