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by ronhoon from Fox 10 in Phoenix

Last Post 8 days Ago


WILL THEY REMEMBER THE AMERICANS?
Aug 25, 2008 | 3:06 PM
Category: News
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I've never been to the towns in France and Belgium where old timers remember how the Americans came through in 1944 and 1945, pushing the Nazis out, and restoring freedom to millions of people.  But I'm told that even to this day, they are grateful to the Americans for the sacrifices made on their behalf.  It's poignant as I write this...on Monday, the 25th, as today marks the day that Americans liberated Paris.

But now I fast forward to today.  It appears that all American troops will be out of Iraq by the end of 2011.  Iraq's leader has stated that an agreement on that is now in place.  It wasn't long after learning that news, that I ran across a story that tens of thousands of people gathered in Baghdad's huge Shaab Stadium for a soccer match.  With a capacity of 50,000...the stadium would've been a tempting target for terrorists.  But nothing happened.  Nothing but a soccer game, that is.  And thousands went home talking about nothing more than their team and how they played.

After great turmoil, and predicitions that U.S. efforts in the country would never work, it now appears that in fact, life is moving toward a more normal pace in Iraq.  Violence is down dramatically.  The dictatorship of Saddam Hussein is gone.  The people of the country now have the freedom to choose their leaders in democratic elections.  Many others are committing to the future with their savings, opening up businesses in a young, but promising free market.

There's still a long way to go to bring Iraq to the point where it could ever be considered the most stable democracy in the region (outside of Israel of course.)  But considering the kind of countries that sit nearby....Iran....Saudi Arabia...Syria....it has to be considered a success.  It sure has a more promising future than those countries that still cow their people into submission.

The question is this:  Will the Iraqis remember the American lives lost, the blood shed on their behalf, to bring this democracy to a part of the world where many thought it would never work?  Will visitors to this country 50 or 60 years from now, find Iraqis who are still grateful for the American sacrifices on their behalf?

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Member Comments Total Comments: 16
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scooterwilliams read my blog view my photos
Aug 26, 2008 | 9:03 AM

Ron, they will remember. However with the elections and a new person coming into the White House this may not last for long. One of the many beasts is about to be unleashed in our country we call AMERICA, HOME OF THE FREE AND OF THE BRAVE. There will be many who will call us traitors because of the leadership in our country. Not necessarily meaning current events. There are many more lives that are yet to be lost before peace will be attained. Remember, "BEFORE KINGDOMS CAN CHANGE, MEN MUST CHANGE". Change in their hears and minds. ALL PEOPLE MUST MAKE THE CHANGE. Don't you see?
Sputter read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 10:58 AM

One thing to keep in mind during our liberation of France!
While the U.S. came near the French Shores,
upon an French encampment, the "grateful French" fired on the U.S. Navy!
Do a little more historical reading.

Do those we help always respond in kind?
No! ~Not so Grateful~
Check your History!!!
lynie1111 read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 1:13 PM

I dont' think the Americans shed blood on their behalf. I think our American soldiers were fighting for the protection of the United States of America (successfully, I might add). So appreciation will be forthcoming or necessary, in my opinion.
lynie1111 read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 1:14 PM

correction:
So, appreciation will NOT be forthincoming or necessary.
Atm_Thght read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 3:41 PM

The United States Citizens are (for the most part) a compassionate people.
We help everyone...
Mostly, when a foreign country shows us any sense of gratitude,
they are getting ready to ask for more and more and more!
BUDKIENER read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 4:03 PM

Mr. Ronhoon
I truly believe that IRAQ will remember our people, our losses, our pain and our effort. We or no sorry, YOU just need to get "your" people remembering what we did, how we did it, what we lost. Lucky enough we haven't lost allot of soldiers area of 4,000. lost. don't get me wrong. 1 soldier lost is too much. but sorry our American people can just kiss my a??
I spent 4.5 years there ,I did 4 tours there
I worked directly with our Military. Mostly the Marines. I have been on the battle field with our Soldiers, I have picked up & carried our soldiers off the battle field when they were wounded. I have helped pick up the pieces of our soldiers after being hit by IED's-RPG's-MORTARS. I have had Iraq's come up and hug me beg me to eat with them. A few have offered there children to me (babies) to bring here to America. Yes Mr. Ronhoon Iraq will remember us
there is your answer. My Question to you is ?
WHO gave permission to the Americans to spit on me at the air port when I came home. Who gave them the permission to throw cokes / water bottles / food ect at me AND OUR TROOPS as we walked from our plane.
I walked away from 23 years of marriage to help our country and to help your children. Now it is 28 yrs of marriage.
I lived & worked in the worst & ugliest & hottest place on this planet and for what ??
To be spit on for protecting and helping your children.
Just to make my point better !
I have a DVD that shows and proves that we.
America is responsible 9-11

In closing
I fly the American flag - MARINE CORE flag - POW flag in my front yard
Every day
lynie1111 read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 4:23 PM

Bud

You should your DVD on U-Tube
lynie1111 read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 4:23 PM

Bud

You should your DVD on U-Tube
RDJVZ read my blog
Aug 26, 2008 | 4:45 PM

I don't believe for one second that the American people threw anything at any soldier after they got off a plane. It hasn't made any news outlet and a story like this would have been headline news. I'm going with untrue on this one.
Atm_Thght read my blog
Aug 27, 2008 | 9:30 AM

RD...
You seem to stress the point that you know so much about the military.....even in other blogs.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THE MILITARY (I mean the American Military)???
Atm_Thght read my blog
Aug 27, 2008 | 10:15 AM

BUDKIENER:
Your bio states.....
"I worked in Iraq as a mercenay"


That's not the same as being a U. S. Military man or woman.

I know there are foul people who go out of their way to insult or defile a U. S. Defender.

I recall a guy (in a bowler-hat carrying a walking-cane who spoke with a British Accent)
in Honolulu; he spit on my buddy's shoe and murmured "Damn Americans!".
He was lucky he didn't lose his teeth. I know such things do happen!

For the most part, those people who lack understanding and respect for a 'soldier'
lack the same qualities within themselves. They are empty unfeeling zombies!

Thank GOD most Americans are not like that!!!
NLF7 read my blog
Aug 27, 2008 | 3:39 PM

Listen to Air America. You might learn some truth in what happened in Iraq. Politics depends on who rules or whoever gets it out first. Who stands truthfully is the real winner.
Goldbug read my blog
Aug 31, 2008 | 12:14 PM

You won't get facts from air America and most likely not the truth either. Facts get in the way of their agenda.
Caleb_Group_Admin read my blog
Sep 1, 2008 | 4:39 PM

We were recently doing some research and working on a few projects involving rights for same-sex marriage and couples. It is against our Arizona Constitution, is unjust, un-constitutional, against the fourteenth amendment in the US constitution, and against the Declaration of Independence. For example our fourteenth amendment in the US Constitution guarantees equal protection of law to all, regards of religion, sex, national origin, or race! We, as a country, should follow these laws, and amendments. They were created for the good of our people. What good will they do, if we don't support them, and enforce them? We are all people, and when will equal mean equal? Straight marriage wasn't voted upon, why should the gay marriage be? Is that what equal means?

Your concerns, questions, opinions, ideas are all welcome! Also if you'd like to get involved:
Our Group Admin Email: groupadmin2c@gmail.com
OIFVET1979 read my blog
Sep 1, 2008 | 9:04 PM

Well sir I would like to know what airport this was because I got nothing but praise, free food and drinks, and handshakes when I exited the plane coming from Baghdad. I would love to see this DVD so please post it on youtube and give us a link.
RDJVZ read my blog
Sep 3, 2008 | 1:17 PM

Atm: Just look at a post from an actual veteran in OIFVET. You just spout off at the fingers about everything yet you have nothing to say of any relevance. First off I have never "stressed" I knew everything about the military. Is it that you think you know everything and actually know nothing about anything? Are you wanting to start your shite with me again? I thought you were not going to respond to my posts anymore. It shows you have a weak character and you can't stay true to your word. Which makes you either senile or just nothing more then a liar. I know about the military because I have family and friends that have served in wars from Nam to this atrocity known as Iraq. Just because one doesn't serve does not mean one does not know. Just like you in a way. You don't serve any meaning yet you still breathe. So what's it gonna be boy? Are ya going to stay true to your word and not respond to me or are ya gonna be a weak little girl and break your word, AGAIN!!! Balls in your court sweetheart.
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ronhoon

I anchor Fox 10 Arizona Morning 5-9 AM. I am a Dad of three great kids who at 27, 23, and 20 are all grown up now. Our family lives in Mesa. I love reading to Valley school kids, and am also involved in the fight against diabetes. I've been on the air in Phoenix for nearly 27 years.

Member Since: 9/1/2006


 

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