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| Iraq |
| Iraq Celebrates Army Day |
| 2007-01-08 |
| BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and members of Iraq’s military forces commemorated the 86th birthday of Iraq’s army during a ceremony Saturday at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Baghdad. The birth of the modern Iraqi Army came about with the establishment of its first battalion in 1921, and although Army Day commemorates the establishment of the Iraqi Army, the Air Force and Navy branches were also represented during the celebration. Maliki presided over the ceremony that began with the playing of the Iraqi national anthem and was followed by a reading from the Holy Quran. Won't be able to do that after you get your ICLU! (Iraqi Civil Liberties Union) Maliki then inspected the Honor Guard and placed his wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Maliki addressed the assembled dignitaries, military officers and national and international news agencies on the importance of the Iraqi military working for the principles of a free and democratic Iraq. “The armed forces are in charge of all the security tasks, and we should distance these institutions from party politics and sectarian motives,” Maliki said. These sentiments were mirrored by Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Ibrahim when he was asked the importance of this event in Iraq’s future. Ibrahim is a 35-year veteran of the army who began his career as a second lieutenant in air defense in charge of a radar station. According to Ibrahim, the Iraqi Army will play a pivotal role in securing Iraq for democracy and freedom for all its people, regardless of their personal religious beliefs or backgrounds. “We (the military) are helping the political process to continue this work,” Ibrahim said. Perhaps the military will be a force for unity. Navy Lt. Mohammed explained why it’s important for him to be a part of his country’s military. “I want freedom and democracy for my family, myself, my people and my country,” said Mohammed. “We are one country and the military is not in charge of the country, but it is responsible for restoring and maintaining safety for everybody.” One aspect of the ceremony the participants were particularly proud of was the playing of the country’s national anthem, which had been abolished during the reign of Saddam Hussein. Composed in the 1950s, the anthem stands as a monument to the difficulties the Iraqi people have experienced over the course of history, according to Iraqi Army Lt. Hussain, the conductor of the 41-piece band that played at the event and an 11-year army veteran. “The anthem honors the suffering of Iraq’s people and offers a brief history of my people,” Hussain said. His sentiments mirrored Maliki’s statements about a military loyal only to Iraq and accountable to its citizens. “I feel the national anthem is the symbol of Iraq and I feel inspired by it,” Hussain said. |
| Posted by:Bobby |