Iraq War Comes to an End
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Photos: Getty Images
For almost nine year, U.S. troops have been battling Iraq in a war with no limits and a constant reminder to us back in the United States of the brave men and women that serve and defend our great country.
This week marked a triumphant end to this deadly war and the return home of our dauntless troops. In President Obama’s weekly address, he made note of the dedication of our Armed Forces and he welcomes each and every soldier back home during this busy holiday season. There can be no greater gift than bringing home those that we love and miss.
More than 1.5 million Americans have served with honor, skill and bravery. Sacrifices have been many, fatalities have been as great as 4,400 and the number of wounded are over 40,000. This past Thursday, December 15th, the colors that the Armed Forces fought under in Iraq were formally cased in a ceremony in Baghdad. The next step is the final march across the border and out of the country.
Iraq must now become independent and stand tall on their own. The future of the Iraq nation and the Iraq people will be in their own hands. Now that our courageous men and women have worked to rebuild Iraq, it’s time to rebuild our own American economy. We have been patient in giving Iraq guidance and assistance.
Now we must put aside intolerance and work to give every American an opportunity in the job market. Hard work and diligence will be rewarded.
The U.S. troops that do remain in Iraq will be responsible to “advise and assist brigades” assigned to non-combat operations while retaining the ability to revert to combat operations as necessary. By the end of 2014, their mission should be over. Sadly enough, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost the United States approximately $1.3 trillion.
We welcome our troops home with open arms and thank them for all their allegiance throughout the past nine years.
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