Surrounded by the protection of barbed-wire fences and cement barricades, the United States Forces — Iraq flag was furled for the last time during an unpretentious ceremony in Baghdad on Dec. 15. It has been a long nine years. At the war’s onset in 2003, troops were promised the only way to return home was through Baghdad. Nine years, two administrations, and multiple tours later — with mission finally accomplished — troops are headed home to celebrate Christmas.
The holiday celebrations this year should extend to include honoring the many soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have sacrificed so much for the liberation of Iraq. Given the current political climate, it is unrealistic to expect the ticker-tape parades of days-gone-by that took place to commemorate war’s end.
Frankly speaking, the word “victory” is all but missing from the vocabularies of those in leadership who originally voted against the surge leading to success in Iraq. Thankfully, sound wisdom prevailed. At this point in time, it seems it is safer for those who could not militarily strategize their way out of a paper bag to err to the side of caution. After all, the mission in Iraq is as accomplished as it can be — considering the commander in chief had promises to keep with an anti-war constituency, thereby, closing down operations prematurely and against the wishes of commanders with boots on the ground.
At the moment, conditions look favorable for the people of Iraq, but enduring freedom in this country bordering the saber-rattling Islamic regime of Iran is a crap shoot at best. Albeit the existence of a free Middle East devoid an American presence there may be atop our president’s Christmas wish list, a wish it shall remain — until history does its part to tell us the rest of the story.
Unlike what seems to be happening in some “Arab Spring” countries, which may soon succumb to the weight of their own ineptitude, America’s presence in Iraq has unequivocally contributed to the birth of a fledgling democracy in a region known for and surrounded by deep and widespread oppression.
There is much in Iraq for America to be proud of despite the comments coming from isolationist naysayers like Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul, who has all but pissed on the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a war he recently described as “useless” during the GOP Presidential Debate in Iowa.
As nonsensical as it may be, Paul is entitled to his own opinion, but it might be much wiser to heed the voice of common sense coming from those whose boots are soiled with Iraqi desert sands — like U.S. General Lloyd Austin — who recently said America’s sacrifice gave the Iraqi people “an unprecedented opportunity to live in a relatively peaceful environment.” Similarly, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta acknowledged “the cost was high in blood and treasure” but “those lives have not been lost in vain” because “they gave birth to an independent and sovereign Iraq.”
As many of us pause during this busy holiday season to reflect on the birth of freedom for mankind offered to us by way of a lowly Bethlehem manger, we should offer a prayer of thanks for the birth of a sovereign Iraq and the soldiers who gave her a chance.
Susan Stamper Brown is a motivational speaker and military advocate and can be reached at susan@susanstamperbrown.com or at www.susanstamperbrown.com
Dale Whiting posted at 5:49 pm on Thu, Dec 22, 2011.
Yes, welcome home.
And don't be bothered by the pending rash of pundits on the Republican/neo-conservative side who are poised to complain that many of you should have stayed behind. You knew it was high time to get out of Dodge. And it was. So welcome home and job done well, at least as well as it could have been done. If anyone is to blame, it is W, Chaney and Rumsfeld.
dustbowl11 posted at 7:20 am on Fri, Dec 23, 2011.
No more American blood for cheap gasoline. Let the profiteers risk their own children's blood to achieve their aims.
davidflucier posted at 10:02 am on Fri, Dec 23, 2011.
Agreed...we should be welcoming our Service members home in a special way, but one way that makes NO sense is lip service and another pat on the back.
Veterans need real support in their transition back to civilian life in the areas of education, jobs, and wellness.
Our uniformed personnel constitute less than 1% of the population and have protected the rights, freedom and prosperity of 99% of Americans and Arizonans for the last ten years. Veterans are a population "at risk" because the nature of their work...it is inherently dangerous and debilitating.
Veterans, unfortunately, "lead the pack" in all the major social indices: divorce, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, PTSD, homelessness, etc.
Instead of more lip service, our Veterans need support in the areas of education, jobs, and wellness.
You have to ask, "What can I do to help make Arizona and America a better place for our Veterans?"
The answer is support public policy and programs which address these areas of concern.
Contact your legislators and tell them to sign the "Arizona Patriot's Pledge" provided by the Unified Arizona Veterans organization.
Veterans are a great investment in the present and in the future. Remember, they left the comfort and safety of their friends and families to defend and protect you.
davidflucier posted at 10:07 am on Fri, Dec 23, 2011.
The Arizona Patriot’s Pledge
Our Veterans, military personnel and their families have sacrificed and risked their lives for our freedoms and livelihood.
America and Arizona owe this debt of gratitude to less than 1% of its citizens who voluntarily put on the uniform, took up arms, and left the comfort and safety of their communities and their families.
As an Arizona Legislator, I firmly believe that what is good for our Arizona Veterans is also good for Arizona.
Because of their continued sacrifices, my commitment to them is to ensure that their transition back to their families and communities is positive, timely, supportive and seamless; and that I will seek ways to care for their wounds, both seen and unseen.
I will actively support the vision to make Arizona the most Veteran supportive state in the nation.
I pledge, therefore, that I will proactively seek solutions that will honor and support our Arizona Veterans, military members and their families in the areas of education and training; job and economic opportunities; and health and wellness.
___________________________________
Signature Date
____________________________________
Print Your Name District
Accuracy posted at 1:53 pm on Fri, Dec 23, 2011.
"Merry Christmas, welcome home and job well done"
All U.S. military forces will be out of Iraq by Dec. 31. The long war cost 4,500 American lives, left about 32,000 wounded and cost billions of dollars.
After the the patriotism and commitment of U.S. troops, the coming home is good news.
geekette posted at 9:17 am on Sat, Dec 24, 2011.
"After all, the mission in Iraq is as accomplished as it can be — considering the commander in chief had promises to keep with an anti-war constituency, thereby, closing down operations prematurely and against the wishes of commanders with boots on the ground."
What kind of welcome home is that? Go ahead and say what you mean: Welcome home, but why are you back so soon? Shouldn't you still be there?
I'm glad our commander in chief kept his promise to bring the troops home. I'm sure the families of the troops are glad too. And I say a Welcome home, stay safe, stay home to them all.