A Well Deserved Congratulations
Today is gonna be a not so normal post for me today.. For two reasons: One, not much communication or funny event wise happened today, and two, a significant event in this war happened today.
As I mentioned, there were barely any issues today. Talk about boring. Although it is tedious at times because you feel like a communications babysitter, it is quite rewarding knowing you're playing a crucial part in the war and helping keep your fellow Soldiers alive.
Now, the main event. Today on this day of June 30th, US forces withdrew from major Iraqi cities and towns. This means that Iraq's own military forces will be in control and responsible for the security within them. I know it may sound awkward, but I admire the Iraqi people for their resolve and willingness to continue the fight against terror. They know we are not the enemy, and they don't want Islamic insurgents and militants in their country.
It's been a long road for them since we invaded in 2003. They've endured ever increasing violence, sectarian hatred, and went to the brink of civil war. Their patriotism for their own country is demonstrated by resisting the insurgents by means of joining the Iraqi army and police, keeping schools open, and contributing to their communities.
Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri-al-Maliki has also declared June 30th to be a "blessed day" and national holiday. I feel he is perfectly right to do so since this is a landmark for his country's continued success. We also celebrated to a degree here on base. We fired numerous 155mm Illumination rounds from our M777 artillery pieces at Baghdad, lighting up the night over the city when the first seconds ticked on June 30th as a means of "fireworks". You could literally feel the shockwave of the artillery round as it flew over our living quarters.. The Iraqis themselves also set off fireworks. Although a bomb did go off in Baghdad during the celebrations and killed many, which is very unfortunate. The Iraqi's resolve will continue to go on.
Anyway, it is quite an honor to be here in Iraq during a key point in their history and I congratulate the Iraqi people once more. Although I feel the Iraqis still have a long way to go with regards to really getting things squared away and in order, I also feel that they will not give up. Let's just hope Afghanistan and Pakistan can keep it going so that this region can be somewhat of a better place, and hopefully, the world will get a bit safer for everyone.
Another day in Iraq.
Laters.
~Kanic The Dog Faced Soldier
As I mentioned, there were barely any issues today. Talk about boring. Although it is tedious at times because you feel like a communications babysitter, it is quite rewarding knowing you're playing a crucial part in the war and helping keep your fellow Soldiers alive.
Now, the main event. Today on this day of June 30th, US forces withdrew from major Iraqi cities and towns. This means that Iraq's own military forces will be in control and responsible for the security within them. I know it may sound awkward, but I admire the Iraqi people for their resolve and willingness to continue the fight against terror. They know we are not the enemy, and they don't want Islamic insurgents and militants in their country.
It's been a long road for them since we invaded in 2003. They've endured ever increasing violence, sectarian hatred, and went to the brink of civil war. Their patriotism for their own country is demonstrated by resisting the insurgents by means of joining the Iraqi army and police, keeping schools open, and contributing to their communities.
Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri-al-Maliki has also declared June 30th to be a "blessed day" and national holiday. I feel he is perfectly right to do so since this is a landmark for his country's continued success. We also celebrated to a degree here on base. We fired numerous 155mm Illumination rounds from our M777 artillery pieces at Baghdad, lighting up the night over the city when the first seconds ticked on June 30th as a means of "fireworks". You could literally feel the shockwave of the artillery round as it flew over our living quarters.. The Iraqis themselves also set off fireworks. Although a bomb did go off in Baghdad during the celebrations and killed many, which is very unfortunate. The Iraqi's resolve will continue to go on.
Anyway, it is quite an honor to be here in Iraq during a key point in their history and I congratulate the Iraqi people once more. Although I feel the Iraqis still have a long way to go with regards to really getting things squared away and in order, I also feel that they will not give up. Let's just hope Afghanistan and Pakistan can keep it going so that this region can be somewhat of a better place, and hopefully, the world will get a bit safer for everyone.
Another day in Iraq.
Laters.
~Kanic The Dog Faced Soldier