December 15, 2011

Congressman André Carson Praises the End of the War in Iraq, Celebrates the Return of U.S. Troops by December 31 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement regarding the end of the war in Iraq and the return of U.S. troops by the end of the year:

“Under President Obama’s leadership, and thanks to the tireless work of our armed services, we can now stand together in reverent celebration of the end of the Iraq War,” Congressman Carson said.

Over the past nine years, more than a million U.S. servicemen and women have fought in the Iraq War. During that time, nearly 4,500 – including 97 Hoosiers – lost their lives, and more than 23,000 – including 692 Hoosiers – were wounded.

Congressman Carson added, “We are eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by these brave men and women, as well as those made by their families.  The end of this war offers a unique opportunity to now invest in the American people – creating jobs, empowering the middle class, and pursuing an American future that honors our veterans’ sacrifice.”

In the 111^th Congress, Congressman André Carson and his fellow Democrats worked closely with President Obama to bring the Iraq War to an end.  Since January 2009, nearly 150,000 U.S. troops have been removed from Iraq and hundreds of bases have been shut down.  In the next two weeks, the final American military bases will be closed, and for the first time in nearly nine years, no U.S. troops will be preparing to deploy to Iraq.  

“This powerful moment marks a new day,” Carson said.  “It is a new day not only for the Iraqi people, but for the brave men and women of our military who return home to their loved ones and the lives they selflessly left behind in service to our nation.”

Carson concluded, “On this monumental occasion, I join all Americans in honoring the brave men and women of our military, and I congratulate them on bringing this conflict to an end.”

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