May 21, 2006

THANK YOU:

For soldiers, gratitude and praise from an Iraqi mayor (David Montero, 5/20/06, Rocky Mountain News)

An Iraqi mayor stood before troops lined up on the lawn at Fort Carson on Friday morning and said only two words in English.

But those two words brought the crowd to its feet.

"Thank you."

It was a telling gesture from Tal Afar Mayor Najim Al Jibouri, who spoke for about 20 minutes in his native tongue praising the 3rd Armored Cavalry for saving his city from certain ruin.

Posted by Orrin Judd at May 21, 2006 9:18 AM
Comments

No doubt this touching moment led off the network news last night. s/off

Posted by: erp at May 21, 2006 3:13 PM

I loved these lines from the Mayor to the assembled men and their families:

"Are you truly my friends?" he asked through a translator. "Yes. I walk a happier man because you are my friends. You are the world to me. I smell the sweet perfume that emanates from your flower of your strength, honor and greatness in every corner of Tal Afar. The nightmares of terror fled when the lion of your bravery entered our city."

It must have been a proud moment for the 3rd Armored Cavalry. Chokes me up, as well.

Posted by: Fred Jacobsen (San Fran) at May 21, 2006 7:20 PM
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