Home
U.S. war in Iraq officially ends
BAGHDAD – The U.S. war in Iraq — a conflict that killed more than 4,000 American troops, cost $800 billion and divided the nation — officially ended with a ceremony held under tight security.
"To be sure, the cost was high — in blood and treasure for the United States and also for the Iraqi people," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said. "But those lives have not been lost in vain."
The fighting resulted, Panetta said, in a "free and sovereign Iraq."
He also warned that the Iraq will be tested by terrorism and other threats. The U.S., he said, remains committed to Iraq's success.
Apache attack helicopters clattered overhead, a sign that the country remains dangerous.
"We are out looking for guys who could pose a threat," said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, the military's top spokesman in Iraq.
About 4,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, their withdrawal expected to be complete by the end of the month.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff, who commanded the First Ar division in 2003, said the first Gulf War and the current one have defined a generation of U.S. troops.
"We've paid a great price here, and it's a price worth paying," Dempsey said.
Thursday's ceremony commemorated the "end of mission." The flag for the U.S. military in Iraq — white with the symbol of its headquarters in the center — was wrapped and placed in a camouflage sheath by Gen. Lloyd Austin, the top commander.
Austin ordered troops to cross the border into Iraq from Kuwait in 2003, and is overseeing their complete withdrawal.
The ceremony was "an especially poignant moment for me," Austin said.
Austin acknowledged the more than 30,000 U.S. troops wounded in Iraq.
"Please know you will always have a place in our formation," Austin said.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
BAGHDAD – The U.S. war in Iraq — a conflict that killed more than 4,000 American troops, cost $800 billion and divided the nation — officially ended with a ceremony held under tight security.
"To be sure, the cost was high — in blood and treasure for the United States and also for the Iraqi people," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said. "But those lives have not been lost in vain."
The fighting resulted, Panetta said, in a "free and sovereign Iraq."
He also warned that the Iraq will be tested by terrorism and other threats. The U.S., he said, remains committed to Iraq's success.
Apache attack helicopters clattered overhead, a sign that the country remains dangerous.
"We are out looking for guys who could pose a threat," said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, the military's top spokesman in Iraq.
About 4,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, their withdrawal expected to be complete by the end of the month.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff, who commanded the First Ar division in 2003, said the first Gulf War and the current one have defined a generation of U.S. troops.
"We've paid a great price here, and it's a price worth paying," Dempsey said.
Thursday's ceremony commemorated the "end of mission." The flag for the U.S. military in Iraq — white with the symbol of its headquarters in the center — was wrapped and placed in a camouflage sheath by Gen. Lloyd Austin, the top commander.
Austin ordered troops to cross the border into Iraq from Kuwait in 2003, and is overseeing their complete withdrawal.
The ceremony was "an especially poignant moment for me," Austin said.
Austin acknowledged the more than 30,000 U.S. troops wounded in Iraq.
"Please know you will always have a place in our formation," Austin said.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
