Iraqi security and coalition forces celebrate grand opening of Daquq Cultural Center

Photo By Sgt. Michael Alberts | James Bigus (center), team leader, Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team, cuts the ceremonial ribbon for the grand opening of the Daquq Cultural Center, Daquq, Iraq, and is flanked by Daquq Mayor Ahmed Ali Hassoun Al Ezey (left) and Deputy Mayor Amir Khuda Karam Mohammed Ali (right) to mark the occasion.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

03.13.2007

Courtesy Story

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

KIRKUK – Local government officials, citizens and Iraqi security and coalition forces celebrated the grand opening of the Daquq Cultural Center during a ribbon cutting ceremony in Daquq, Iraq. The center includes a meeting hall, a library that boasts ethnically diverse titles and a computer and internet center.

According to Deputy Mayor Amir Khuda Karam Mohammed Ali, construction of the center was a significant community accomplishment providing the citizens a place where the diversity of ethnicities in Daquq can meet to promote cultural awareness.

Col. Patrick T. Stackpole, brigade commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, accepted the town's invitation to celebrate the grand opening and took the opportunity to encourage local citizens to continue to be tolerant of each other's cultural differences.

"Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the community of Daquq," said Stackpole. "Today's opening of the cultural center is about opportunity and unity. Within this building you can come together to discuss the way forward, to brow relationships and to work together to find hope for a better future," he said.

During the celebration, guests toured the new facility, took time to socialize and enjoyed refreshments.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2007
• Date Posted: 03.13.2007 13:25
• Story ID: 9420
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ