From duty to dance: IDF flag-bearers raise flags - and spirits

(JNS) - For one lone soldier identified for security reasons as O, the dream began years ago while watching Israel's Independence Day ceremony from abroad, where her diplomat parents were posted.

"I always watched the ceremony even when I lived abroad," said O, who now serves in the IDF's Behavioral Sciences Unit. "I would sit with my grandparents. It was their favorite part of the year. I said, I'm going to be there one day, and my grandparents will be in the audience to watch me."

This year, O will join 80 soldiers-30 men and 50 women from various IDF units, alongside police officers and fir...