Without fanfare or Mission Accomplished signs, the Iraq War ended last week. American combat troops left last Wednesday. They withdrew to Kuwait. A war that has been raging since 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 has claimed countless lives of both Iraqis and American troops and coalition partners. At times a veritable bloodbath. Officially more than 31, 000 American troops were wounded in Iraq. More than 6000 coalition troops died. It is estimated there are more than 100,000 wounded Iraqis.
This is an amazing and terrible toll on humanity.
Saddam Hussein is long gone but Iraq is hardly the safest or most stable place in the world still. In fact more than 50,000 American Troops will remain in Iraq to help train Iraqi securities forces and help police.
And the silence in America is still deafening. Hardly any protests. Even as we continue a war since 2001 in Afghanistan. And still no Osama Bin Laden. And still the Taliban are rising in Power again.
But what about all those who have served? The many who came back to the US injured, traumatized, and all who were forever changed by their service?
There are many young men and women who nobly served our country. As they return to society. Let’s not forget their sacrifice. We did so once with Vietnam. Let’s do this one differently.