Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Independence Day reflections

Earlier this week, I received an email from my friend David who lives in New Mexico. Just as the Iraq War was concluding, he was offered an opportunity to teach public administration principles to folks in Iraq. He made many friends, including a young man named Ahmed. David and Ahmed have kept in touch since David returned from Iraq.

Included in David's recent email was a copy of a note from Ahmed about our holiday. I wanted to share it with you since it reflects the personal impact two men from different countries can have on one another. Hopefully, Ahmed's views really reflect the majority of Iraqi citizens. There is the same spirit in Ahmed's words that I saw following the reading of our Revolutionary War documents. There is a need in the human spirit to demonstrate free living, the ability to make personal choices, and live without fear of a bully whether it be King George or Sadam. Here is Ahmed's letter:

My American Friends,

Happy Independence Day ! l ask the God to keep you safe, let your celebrations in this day more pleasant to you, and make America more powerful. We, Iraqis, ( if not all, but most ) are grateful for your great favor in liberating our country from the former monster. We, Iraqis hope one day to have such an nice day as yours, hoping love will dominate between the Americans and Iraqis forever. With all my regards to you as an Iraqi man, let me say, " God Bless You All and America".

Ahmed

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That was nice to read the Iraqi national's comment on America. We need to be reminded that the regular citizen over there is grateful for what America has sacrificed. Their freedom has come with a heavy price - both American & Iraqi blood. God Bless our American troops. I pray for their success over the facist terrorists they face.