Obama dinner to mark end of Iraq War

[babylonsister]

Obama dinner to mark end of Iraq War
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY


With U.S. forces still fighting in Afghanistan, the Obama administration has chosen to mark the end of the Iraq War with something more modest than a ticker-tape parade — a state-dinner-like event at the White House later this month feting a select group of combat veterans and their spouses or guests.

The core theme is the common fighting man or woman, said Douglas Wilson, Pentagon public affairs chief.

The intent is for those invited — with guests, numbering more than 200 — to represent the 1.5 million who fought in a nine-year-war that left nearly 4,500 dead and 32,000 wounded, he said.

"The dining room that night will look like the America that served in Iraq," Wilson said.

"State dinners honor heads of state and I think the feeling was that this type of dinner is an appropriate way to honor men and women who … merit the same degree of respect as a head of state," he said.

The black-tie White House event to be called "A Nation's Gratitude" may be unprecedented, Wilson said.

more...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-02-05/iraq-veterans-obama-dinner/52976580/1

[JNelson6563]

1. I think this is great!

[Frustratedlady]

2. Well, I wonder what the Republicans will choose to complain about...

Only 200, menu, Michelle's gown, having it while still in Afghanistan, wrong date, too soon, too late, wrong month, black-tie, too many from one state, too few, missed a state? Surely, they will scream from the rooftops that this is a stupid idea. Surely!

[Kath1]

3. Sounds Like A Dignified Way To Mark It

I am so glad that war is over. That was one of the most horrible and tragic mistakes, among many, of the Bush Administration. If McCain/Palin had won (shudder!), we'd still be involved in that quagmire.

[monmouth]

4. I'm usually very enthusiastic about events/markings like this but sorry. There is something wrong

with "celebrating" while we still have military in Afghan. Celebrate when everyone is out of the ME, then I'll pop the cork, not before. I have a sneaky feeling this is partially at least, fodder for the campaign. I'm not impressed at all.

[DevonRex]

5. That's why it isn't a parade.

It's an understated celebration of the end of one theater of war. Some servicemen and women may in fact be redeployed to Afghanistan after having served in Iraq; therefore, no parade. But others have since ended their military service and deserve to be recognized.

[nofurylike]

7. thank you for this response, DevonRex.

they "deserve to be recognized."

yes.

*edit for spelling

[Cha]

9. Those who served in the bush war on Iraq do

most certainly deserve to be recognized for their service. Two separate wars and one has ENDED. Therefore the unprecedented equivalent of a state dinner is being given to honor those who served.

Thank you, Devon. I think it's an elegant way to honor them and thank them for their sacrifice and service.

[nofurylike]

6. what a thoughtful way to express

"A Nation's Gratitude."

thank you for posting that, babylonsister.

[Major Hogwash]

8. Where's the media?

How come they aren't making big news out of the end of the Iraq War?

This is unreal.
Instead of making a big deal out of an illegal, immoral, and unnecessary war started by George W Bush 9 years ago using lies, rumors, and innuendo, they are talking about some gal who claims that JFK nearly raped her when she was an intern at the White House more than 50 years ago.

The Rethuglicans could not find a sex scandal to taint the Democrats with this year . . so they went out and bought one!!