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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - The Nangarhar Provincial governor hosted more than 200 guests during a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Feb. 14, at his palace in Jalalabad.
Governor Gul Agha Sherzai celebrated the event with approximately 200 people, including Afghan government officials, former Afghan Mujahadeen commanders and coalition forces partners.
Governor Sherzai spoke of the bravery of the Afghan fighters during their nine-year war with the Soviet Union and added thanks to the United States and international partners for their assistance in defeating the Soviets. The governor also spoke of the role Mujahadeen play in Afghanistan's future.
"We Mujahedeen have to be united and work together now for the bright future of all Afghan people," he said.
In addition to Sherzai, several other government officials including Provincial Council Chairman Fazel Hadi Muslimyar, thanked the U.S. government for helping the Afghan people during the difficult period and shared stories from the war.
The Soviet-Afghan War began in 1979 when Soviet troops invaded the country to install a new pro-Soviet leader and attempt to put down a growing uprising against Communist rule. When the last forces departed Afghanistan on Feb. 15, 1989, almost 15,000 Soviets and more than 1 million Afghans had been killed.
It's important for a nation to take time to remember the sacrifices made, blood spilled, and lives lost by its warriors, said Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Cabosky, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team commander from Newton Falls, Ohio.
"Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Afghan people showed their incredible strength by forcing the Soviet superpower out of Afghanistan," he said. "They continue to show the same strength and dedication today in their fight for a safe, stable and free nation and a brighter future for their children."
Getting the opportunity to share in the celebration was an incredible experience, said Michael Sears, the U.S. Department of State representative to the PRT.
"Celebrating the anniversary alongside the Mujahadeen heroes who defeated the Soviet occupation was an honor," he said. "Few people on Earth did more to bring down the Soviet Union - one of the most vicious governments in history - than these Afghan veterans."
"The United States assisted the Afghan people in their struggle against the Soviet occupation because we shared the ideal of freedom," he added. "We were allies then, and we are their allies now."
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2009 08:04 |
| Story ID: | 30220 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 163 |
| Downloads: | 144 |
This work, Afghan ceremony marks 20th anniversary of Soviet exit, by Capt. Dustin Hart, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
