"We went to the mess hall, where six hundred troops had gathered for a Thanksgiving meal. Jerry [Bremer, head of the Coalition Provisional Authority] was supposed to be the guest of honor. He told the troops he had a holiday message from the president. 'Let's see if we've got anybody more senior here. . . .' he said.
"That was my cue. I walked out from behind a curtain and onto the stage of the packed hall. Many of the stunned troops hesitated for a split second, then let out deafening whoops and hooahs. Some had tears running down their faces. I was swept up by the emotion. These were the souls who just eight months earlier had liberated Iraq on my orders. Many had seen combat. Some had seen friends perish. I took a deep breath and said, 'I bring a message on behalf of America. We thank you for your service, we're proud of you, and America stands solidly behind you.'"
I had tears streaming down my face while reading this passage. Thank you American Troops! Thank you families of American Troops!
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