OPINION: Weekend coincides with special milestone in the Iraqi war

The Independence Day weekend coincides with a special milestone in the Iraqi war. American soldiers completed a pullback from Iraqi cities this week as they prepare to end combat responsibilities and hopefully leave the country by 2011.

The success should have inspired a salute from every American. Instead, it seemed to merit minimal applause.

The United States remains independent because of a strong Constitution and because men and women have been willing to defend it.

The Pee Dee region and South Carolina have sacrificed considerably in the war on terror. National guardsmen and military personnel from the Pee Dee have endured longer-than-expected deployments.

And military installations throughout the state have guaranteed the fighting force in Iraq remained strong.

As we celebrate July Fourth, the day when brave patriots signed the Declaration of Independence, we want to remind everyone to support the troops and celebrate their success. Do not take it for granted.

Even as we’re pulling back in Iraq, hot spots remain around the world. Troops were fighting Taliban forces Thursday in Afghanistan. North Korea is threatening to test fire a missile toward Hawaii. Iran is using violence to crush dissidents.

Conservatives and liberals look back on Iraq differently. No one goes into a conflict with 20-20 vision, and this one divided the nation more than any time since the Vietnam War.

But we should not let 4,300 Americans die in vain. Their sacrifice supported freedom. Their efforts to finish the job in Iraq will allow them to come home with a clear victory.

U.S. forces brought a brutal dictator, Saddam Hussein, to justice and effectively destroyed support mechanisms for the Taliban and al-Qaida. They brought stability and freedom to one of the most oppressive places on earth.

The pullout sends a clear message to the enemies of the United States. We had no intention of occupying Iraq, as they claimed. The pictures of troops withdrawing in victory were powerful images for the Arab street.

Hardly anyone thought Americans would be in a position to withdraw three years ago. Violence in Iraq was hell. Our troops seemed to be mired in quick sand, another Vietnam.

It would be impossible to call Iraq a quagmire now.

The military surge ordered by former President George Bush in 2007 worked. While al-Qaida kept butchering Iraqis, American troops kept the cities secure, never in danger of letting them fall into the terrorists’ hands.

Though Iraqis are wary of seeing the Americans go, it’s important for President Barack Obama to stick to his Aug. 31 date of pulling out all combat troops.

When that happens, it will be time to unveil the banner of “Mission Accomplished.” Maybe that’s when more Americans will rejoice.

More than 130,000 American troops fighting in Iraq have earned our thanks. The Iraqi government and Iraqi police deserve appreciation. Even Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney, who seemed to be wasting billions of taxpayer dollars with no plan for victory, deserve some credit for initiating the surge.

Obama came into an office with a mandate for change. Fortunately, he kept the U.S. on course for significant milestones and victory in Iraq.

Time will decide if the blood and sacrifice will keep Iraq safe and stable. For now, let’s revel in the spirit of July 4, knowing that brave patriots continue to stand up and preserve our freedom.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial Board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).