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Bush Thanks New Generation for Standing Up to TerrorBy Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
Bush, who will spend Independence Day with members of the West Virginia Air National Guard, said the members of the U.S. armed forces are standing up to ideologies that seek to strip freedom from people. "Around the world, our brave men and women in uniform are facing danger to protect their fellow citizens from harm," he said. "In Afghanistan, our military and NATO forces are hunting down the Taliban and al Qaeda, and helping the Afghan people defend their young democracy. And in Iraq, American and Iraqi forces are standing with the nearly 12 million Iraqis who voted for a future of peace, and opposing ruthless enemies who want to bring down Iraq's democracy and turn that nation into a terrorist safe haven." Early indications of the surge into Baghdad are hopeful, Bush said. Operation Phantom Thunder, which began June 16 once all surge forces were in place, is engaging al Qaeda in Iraq and putting a lid on sectarian violence in the city. "Just this week, our commanders reported the killing of two senior al Qaeda leaders north of Baghdad," the president said. "Within Baghdad, our military reports that despite an upward trend in May, sectarian murders in the capital are significantly down from what they were in January. We're also finding arms caches at more than three times the rate of a year ago." The overall strategy in Iraq is making progress, the president stressed. "It recognizes that our top priority must be to help the Iraqi government and its security forces protect their population -- especially in Baghdad," he said. "And its goal is to help the Iraqis make progress toward reconciliation and build a free nation that respects the rights of its people, upholds the rule of law and is an ally in the war on terror." The way ahead will be tough and will take time, the president said. Al Qaeda will continue to launch spectacular attacks, but even those attacks are down from January. The new strategy spreads coalition and Iraqi forces throughout the city, and the result is spreading security where Iraqi citizens feel safe enough to go to officials with information on the terrorists. There will be more American casualties, Bush acknowldged. "We've lost good men and women in this fight. One of those lost was a Marine lance corporal named Luke Yepsen," Bush said. "In the spring of 2005, Luke withdrew from his classes at Texas A&M to join the United States Marines. And in October 2006, he deployed to Iraq, where he manned a .50-caliber machine gun on a Humvee. "Six months ago, Luke was killed by a sniper while on patrol in Anbar province. Luke's father describes his son's sacrifice this way: 'Luke died bringing freedom to an oppressed people. My urgent request is ... finish the mission. Bring freedom to the Iraqi people.'" Bush said that on Independence Day, Americans remember the sacrifices of people like Luke Yepsen and all the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in this struggle. "They've helped bring freedom to the Iraqi people," he said. "They've helped make Americans more secure. We will not forget their sacrifice. We remember their loved ones in our prayers. And we give thanks for all those from every generation who have defended our nation and our freedoms." Add your commentYou must be logged in to leave comments.  Contracting: A Sure Bet For Veterans July 10, 2009 If you are interested in working in contracting once you return to civilian life, the Federal Contractor Program can help you get a jump on your career. Use Your Military Training to Become an Operations Manager July 10, 2009 You can translate your supply chain know-how into a successful civilian career as an Operations Manager. All you need is a degree. Build a Career in Engineering July 10, 2009 Take your engineering skills to the next level with a bachelor's degree. It can help prepare you for a civilian job as an engineering manager. >> MILITARY NEWS ARCHIVE |
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