President Obama Announces the End of Combat Operations in Iraq ( video)


On August 31, 2010, President Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office to announce the end of combat operations in Iraq.

Now, after nearly nine years of sacrifice, the final troops stationed in Iraq will cross the border out of the country in the coming days–marking the end of the war and fulfilling the promise President Obama made to the American people when he was a candidate for this office.

To see more milestones from the Iraq War, from President Obama’s very first day in office through the work his Administration has done to support our troops as they return home, check out our new timeline.

20111213 Iraq Timeline

 

Good afternoon,

After nearly nine years, our war in Iraq is ending.

In recent days, many of our troops have come home and been reunited with their families for the holidays. Over the next few days, a small group of American soldiers will begin the final march out of Iraq.

This moment of success is because of their sacrifice. More than 1.5 million Americans have served in Iraq. More than 30,000 of these brave men and women were wounded. Nearly 4,500 gave their lives. America’s military families have borne a heavy burden.

As we mark the end of this war, we need to show our veterans and their families that they have the thanks of a grateful nation.

Part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it. It’s not enough to honor our heroes with words; we must do so with deeds.

That’s why we’ve worked to send 600,000 veterans and family members back to school on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. That’s why one of Michelle’s top priorities as First Lady has been to support military families and why she’s worked with the private sector to get commitments to create 100,000 jobs for those who’ve served and their spouses. That’s why we worked with Congress to pass a tax credit so that companies have an incentive to hire vets and have taken steps to help veterans translate military experience to the private sector job market.

In America, our commitment to those who fight for our freedom and our ideals doesn’t end when our troops take off the uniform.

You can be a part of this effort to honor our heroes.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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