Bush's morale-boosting Baghdad visit doesn't make up for urge to go home, say troops.

(From Agence France Presse)

Just a day after US President George W. Bush flew into Baghdad to feed 600 of his troops the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner, soldiers at the same base were offered a rare musical evening but the Bush high had failed to outlast the impromptu visit.

Some 200 soldiers belonging to the 1st Armored Division, which patrols the area around the Iraqi capital, gathered in one of Baghdad international airport's cold and wet hangers to listen to an hour-long concert performed by fellow troops and featuring Christmas carols and patriotic songs.

But the mood was quiet, bordering on somber, inside the large corrugated-iron hall with some troops yawning the evening away or even falling asleep.

Despite the deafening roar of landing choppers, performers bravely went on with their renditions of "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night".

"You have to understand that some people are not used to that kind of music," confessed Specialist Sclyna Penick, almost apologizing for her fellow troops' apathy.

"It was not exactly rocking and rolling tonight. It's like, you know, this music is for older people," said the young woman.