JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Team Andrews commemorated the return of the United States Forces in Iraq colors to American soil here Dec. 20, officially marking the end of the nearly nine-year war in Iraq.
Distinguished guests included President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden as well as key speakers Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey, and U.S. Forces-Iraq commander U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin.
"Today is a historic day as we commemorate the return of the colors under which our Armed Forces fought so [willingly] and proudly in Iraq, and mark the end of the second longest war in U.S. history," said Carter.
More than 4,500 service members paid the ultimate sacrifice and 30,000 others suffered from wounds sustained in combat during this war, as their families and loved ones stayed behind to take care of the home front and be present in their absence.
"To the families who made the ultimate sacrifice and those that bare the wounds of this war, we lack the words to say [how] you feel on this day," said Carter. "We do know what your sacrifice means to us, to this nation, and to a world that still depends so much on America for its security."
"For the past several months our troops have worked tirelessly on re-posturing our remaining 50,000 troops and more than 2 million pieces of equipment from Iraq," said Austin.
On Sunday, Dec. 18, the remaining service members along with their equipment departed Iraq crossing the border into an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
"Yesterday I sent a message to the commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Jim Mattis, informing him that United States Forces Iraq had accomplished its military objectives in Iraq," explained Austin. "We have honored our commitment and our military led mission has come to a successful conclusion and today I am proud to safely return our colors to their rightful place, the United States of America."
"[This is] a time to recall what we have achieved, what we learned, and how we made a difference; and it's a time to remember those who have served and those we lost," said Dempsey.
While at war in Iraq over a nine-year period, U.S. service members, coalition partners, and civilians accomplished great feats including successfully removing a dictator giving over 30 million Iraqi people their freedom and paving a way towards democracy, according to Dempsey and Austin.
"As you reflect on your service in Iraq, please know that your sacrifices were instrumental in liberating an oppressed people and providing them an opportunity to enjoy a better way of life," Austin said. "You have set the conditions for democracy to take root in a region that is critically important to the United States of America. You have done all that our nation has asked of you, and more. Again, thank you for a job extremely well done."