Photo By Master Sgt. Jerry Saslav | Sadr City politicians, tribal sheiks and Imams, along with U.S. Soldiers from the 3rd...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Jerry Saslav
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR EAGLE, Iraq – Ramadan is Islam's holiest month. Muslims fast during the day and at night break their fast with a celebratory dinner with family and friends known as Iftar.
This year, some Sadr City politicians, tribal sheiks and religious leaders celebrated Iftar with Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and U.S. State Department officials at Forward Operating Base War Eagle in northern Baghdad, Sept. 6, 2008.
"In my mind, they are the heroes of the city because they have stepped forward even though we don't have true peace yet. We still have special groups that do not want to see this succeed. These individuals risked their lives to pay us a visit tonight as well as risking their lives every day to ensure that we move forward," said Col. John Hort, commander of Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Striker Brigade.
The dinner "was a true showing and representation of our commitment, as well as their commitment, to moving forward in terms of peace and stability in Sadr City," said Hort, a native of Fort Carson, Colo.
Some of the Iraqis drove to the base, others came by helicopter. The guests who flew were able to observe not only Sadr City but other parts of Baghdad.
"When you fly home tonight, look at all the lights," Hort said, as he greeted one of the Iraqi leaders.
Erecting solar powered street lights, as well as restoring electricity to Sadr City and the rest of Baghdad, has been one of the Striker Brigade's missions. The flight provided the attendees an opportunity to see that challenges with electricity are not just isolated to Sadr City but all over Baghdad in terms of where the lights are or aren't on.
Before the fast was broken, the Iraqi guests went into a specially prepared area for Salat Al-Iftar prayers.
In keeping with Muslim custom, a plate of dates was brought out as the Striker Soldiers and civilians mingled.
"Do not mistake the look of our Soldiers for what is in their heart," Hort told his guests, as they sat down for dinner. "Even though we come from different cultures, we have great respect for Iraq and its people."
"I asked the leaders tonight," Hort said, after the dinner had ended, "to continue to educate their people who they represent – that while we look and act like Soldiers, we have the heart of any human being and that our mission is to help the people."
Sayid Mahdy Al-Shawki, a Shia Imam, led the prayer before dinner.
The approximately 40 people sat together and feasted on a traditional Iraqi dinner.
After dinner, Imam Al- Shawki led the group in a prayer for all those, Iraqi and coalition forces, civilian and military alike, who gave their lives for their country.
"[Col. Hort] looked into the heart and he mentioned patience and faith and forgiveness," said Imam Al-Shawki. "These things our lord God, have put upon everybody in the Koran and all holy books."
"Thanks for God, things are going better, about 98 percent," said Sheik Shya Kadhem Al Firaji, a Sadr City leader.
These goodwill gestures, said Hort, are meant to bridge the gap between what the past was and what the future is. Hort said he wants to work with the political, tribal and religious leaders to reconstruct and revitalize Sadr City and improve the quality of life for its people.
"They [the Striker Brigade and its Iraqi Army counterparts] have done a lot of good things – and things are getting better and better every day," said Al Firaji.
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2008 07:13 |
| Story ID: | 23356 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 191 |
| Downloads: | 162 |
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