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| Iraq |
| Iraqi Forces Commemorate Armed Forces Day |
| 2006-01-12 |
| BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 11, 2006 — Soldiers representing 10 Iraqi Army Divisions stood alongside high-ranking officers and dignitaries to commemorate the country's Armed Forces Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Jan. 6. "Nobody has forced us to be in the Army like before. We are like one hand, all of us are brothers." Organized by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense in the International Zone, the event was described by officials as the largest affair orchestrated here since the inception of the war, marking a milestone in the progress of the country's security forces and symbolizing the unity of Iraq's Army. A wreath placed at the centerpiece of the tomb marked the 85th anniversary of the Iraqi Army. Iraqi Minister of Defense Saadun al-Dulaim stood before a battalion of sharply-dressed Iraqi soldiers as trumpeters played a military salute after the laying of the wreath. The ceremony also featured readings from the Quran and prayers for the souls of unknown soldiers, a marching band and a unit of Iraqi Honor Guard soldiers. Several battalions of soldiers marched in front of tanks and armored personnel carriers from the 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized). Other vehicles used by the armed forces were also on display. The ceremony continued off the tomb site and on the parade field surrounding the monument, where al-Dulaim reaffirmed the Iraqi Army's mission to serve their country in a speech to soldiers, leaders and dignitaries. Hundreds of soldiers from various units responded by reciting the Iraqi Armed Forces Oath. "I swear in the name of God and on my honor to protect the land of Iraq and its people from all aggression and to be loyal to the principles of the Constitution," they roared in unison. Soldiers and other members of Iraq's Security Forces said they believe they are carrying on a proud tradition of military service and take pride in knowing they serve the people of Iraq. They said the tomb holds special meaning for them. "It's the face of our country," said Ali, a member of the Iraqi Special Forces. "I am happy to be serving my country. If we do not protect our country, then who will protect it?" Soldiers and others are encouraged by the growth of the Iraqi Army and its increasing role in providing security. They also see more cohesion within the ranks. "There are Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish soldiers here," said a Kurdish soldier who did not give his name for security reasons. "It makes no difference, we are one army." The soldier said the strength and unity of the army is better now than before and that he and other soldiers have volunteered to protect all of the Iraqi people from terrorists. "Nobody has forced us to be in the Army like before," the soldier said. "We are like one hand, all of us are brothers." |
| Posted by:Bobby |
| #1 The birth of Esprit de Corps - excellent. When all of them can honestly agree with the Kurdish soldier's view, that they are all Iraqis, not Shi'a, Sunnis, Kurds, etc., another major milestone will be passed. When they can acknowledge that the coalition forces have fought to protect their country, creating the pocket of time they needed to achieve professionalism, and feel not shame for needing that selfless assistance - but pride in taking over the job, then they will be there. |
| Posted by: .com 2006-01-12 14:32 |