A "Thank You" to US Troops for Helping to Make "National Sovereignty Day" Possible for Iraqis
I am thankful for these men and women of ours, some who've given their lives, others a part of themselves at least, to help secure and retain the freedom of a people and a country, not even their own.
Tuesday, June 30th was the dawn of a new era for Iraq, as US Combat Troops withdrew from cities, and Iraqis celebrated their first "National Sovereignty Day," a national holiday throughout the country, designated by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Now it would be up to the Iraqi Security Forces to protect their own people, and squelch any rising insurgency.
I couldn't help wondering what our troops must be feeling as they pulled back to US bases, vacating a scene they'd become so familiar with. Those returning home must be elated at the thought of seeing loved ones and friends. The ones continuing on for a time may be glad for the change. Maybe some of our troops are wondering if Americans can grasp at all, the monumental task just completed. (Photo: 1st Lt. Steve Pinkham and Officer Faras Shakour share a smile after a barbeque at the Amerli Police Station, June 16/Troop Scoop)
It took bravery on the part of those Iraqi volunteers, certainly—to risk insurgent violence to become a part of the Iraqi Forces. And now they have an effective army as a result.
But mostly what I was feeling as I watched our troops leaving falling back on Tuesday, was gratitude and pride.
What an incredible feat; to put together and train such an army in the midst of hostile conditions, and language barriers. But our troops—to borrow a term from former President Bush—"stayed the course," showing great patience, courage, withstanding many setbacks.
Iraqi President Talabani pointed out on Tuesday, that the Day of Sovereignty could not have happened without the help of the United States. "While we celebrate this day," he said, "we express our thanks and gratitude to our friends in the coalition forces who faced risks and responsibilities and sustained casualties and damage while helping Iraq to get rid from the ugliest dictatorship and during the joint effort to impose security and stability."
I am thankful for these men and women of ours, some who've given their lives, others a part of themselves at least, to help secure and retain the freedom of a people and a country, not even their own.
And as we here in America get ready to celebrate our own independence in a few days, I can't help but think about this unselfish sacrifice for the cause of freedom, given by our troops in Iraq. It's a good example of the "greater love" that Jesus spoke of in John 15.
Words of thanks never seem to be enough, but they are always a good place to start. If you would like to express your thanks to our troops, a couple websites have made it easy to do so.
Visit Troop Scoop to send an email, and for positive news on US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, by CLICKING HERE.
You can also log onto the new Troop Support website from the US Dept. of Defense, CLICK HERE.
