B**W
发帖数: 2273 | 1 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."
INTERACTIVE: Deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq
PHOTOS: U.S. troops leave 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 Armored 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.
Later, in remarks to a group of reporters traveling with him, Dempsey
expanded on his assertion that the war was worth the price.
"Those of us wear that wear the uniform and have served in and out of here
have constantly asked ourselves that question through this eight years,"
Dempsey said. "I think what America's mothers and fathers want to hear is
that it was worth it. So I very deliberately and consciously made that a
part of my presentation today. To assure everyone that, first of all, we
were appreciative of the fact, in a very profound way, that we have paid a
high cost but it has been worth it."
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. | y****t
发帖数: 10233 | 2 the title should read, the iraq war officially ends AGAIN.
lol...
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【在 B**W 的大作中提到】
: 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."
: INTERACTIVE: Deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq
: PHOTOS: U.S. troops leave Iraq
: He also warned that the Iraq will be tested by terrorism and other threats.
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