2009.07.05
05JUL09--Iraqis Celebrate Independence
Since June 30th, men and women across Iraq have celebrated their national sovereignty. Some Americans see their celebration as an act of ungratefulness, but instead, we ought to be celebrating along side them.
Largely, Iraqis are not celebrating the departure of American troops in a "Yeah, we beat you guys" fashion.
American troops no longer patrol the cities of Iraq or conduct missions without the cooperation of Iraqi agencies, because they are simply not necessary. The Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police are able to patrol their own sectors, keep the peace, and run successful operations.
Iraqis are celebrating, saying: "We beat the insurgents!"
The Iraqis' efforts with the help of the U.S. military has paid off. Troops will return home. As the U.S. celebrates its independence this weekend, we ought to celebrate success and independence of Iraq.
The 2008 Iraqi Flag. Notice the the familiar three green stars, which represented the three tenets of the Ba'ath Party (Unity, Freedom, Socialism), are absent. The phrase 'Allah Akbar,' or 'God is Great,' is still present. However, the script is no longer in Saddam Hussein's handwriting.
My mother sent me this picture of the fireworks display in Roanoke, Virginia this year. There were no fireworks in Iraq that I know of.
Captain Connaroe, I never thought the Iraqis were celebrating the defeat of Americans. I took the celebrations to be of a new Iraq. I had always compared their celebrations to our Independence Day celebrations, albeit no fireworks. I've also thought it interesting if not fitting that the anniversaries are within days of one another. Maybe I am alone in this thought, but I believe we've done our job well and now it is time for the Iraqis to continue on the path. They no longer have a dictatorship that kills its own. It is up to them to forge their way and make their country better. We've taught, now it is time for them to carry on. To you and all of our service members, well done! Thank you!
Comment by Wendy J Jones — July 5, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
It is wonderful news that the Iraqi nation has true hope for independence and freedom. Not celebrating such a day would be very hard to imagine and showing their joy should give us confidence that peace, safety and prosperity is an attainable goal for them. I do hope that the people of Iraq have some sense that we wish them well and they consider us as friends. Thank you Capt. Connaroe for your service and for this blog which has filled in a lot of gaps of how things are there. Glad you are coming home soon and hope you continue the blog long enough to impart your thoughts about how that goes. Good luck and God Bless you all.
Comment by LarryS — July 5, 2009 @ 11:04 pm
Captain Connaroe, Thank you for your articulate and obviously heartfelt blog posts. You are a remarkable young man and I too want to thank you for your service and your attempt to give us some of the knowledge and insight you have gained. I also hope you will continue to blog and give us your perspectives when you return home and re-adjust to life at home. I know that many Americans (myself no less so) are very opinionated about this whole war and the sacrifices made and the treasure lost, but I also pray that you and all of our military service members know that we appreciate the sacrifice you and your families make and that we respect your service and your sacrifice even if we hate the reason you are there.
My nephew graduated from Northside as well, do you perchance know Christopher Young? He joined the Marines after being a Viking.
Godspeed to you and those serving and many blessings on your families!
Comment by Sandi Saunders — July 6, 2009 @ 11:54 am
Believe it or not, I know that some Americans resented Iraqi celebrations.
I appreciate the words of support, Wendy, Larry and Sandi. I will continue the blog through redeployment, though my access to computers will diminish for a time. I still have a few weeks of posts left.
Sandi, there is little reason to be fond of war. I understand your viewpoint.
My apologies, I do not remember meeting your nephew, but it is my honor to be serving along side him. Is he presently deployed?
Comment by Rich Connaroe — July 6, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Wow, thanks for your kind reply. No, Captain, Chris has left the military with the wife he met in Korea and is stateside now, going back to school. A co-worker's son is heading to boot camp soon and a good friend of my son's is enlisting as well.
I have not commented before since I am a raging liberal and much vilified on the RT Blog for my lack of support for the Iraq war decisions, however, I have appreciated reading your posts and keep you and all of our soldiers and your families in my thoughts and prayers.
I know your service keeps me free to speak my mind and I truly appreciate what you and your fellow soldiers have done in such a dangerous place. I pray this nation has learned it's lesson and treats you all better than they did the Vietnam Veterans.
Godspeed!
~Sandi
Comment by Sandi Saunders — July 6, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
Sandi,
The only reputation that you have in my book is a cordial, avid reader. I am glad that you wrote to me. It shows me that someone is reading. Thank you.
As far as politics goes, I agree with a statement that I heard both President G. W. Bush and President Obama say in slightly different words: differing opinions allow us to debate and come up with the best solution.
Whatever your opinion, I applaud your efforts, particularly when it comes to your prayers for the troops.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — July 6, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
Rich,
Not sure I would characterize myself as a 'raging liberal' as Sandi does, rather a libertarian socialist, perhaps. I certainly share her view regarding the premise and prosecution of this war. I truly believe it was and is a misguided enterprise, and for some time considered as well that all troops involved in the fight were culpable.
Reading books by soldiers and journalists, communicating with a soldier in the field, and reading blogs such as yours, has proven a thought-provoking education. Finding that there are thoughtful, observant young people in the armed forces has proven a pleasant surprise.I thank you for that, and for your service, and wish you safe travels as you head home.
Peace,
Valerie
Comment by valerie — July 9, 2009 @ 1:17 pm