I hope you are having a great Sunday morning where ever you may be
in America. I want to thank each of you for the pride you feel for
America and for the support you extend to those of us who serve her.
Today I may be the proudest I have ever been of being and American
Soldier. As I walked the streets of Sadr City today, I saw the best
the human spirit has to offer. Despite the many cultural and
religious differences between our soldiers and the local people, I
saw men, women, and children genuinely ecstatic and thankful because
they had tasted the first morsel of freedom. Don't believe any
negativity that may be in the news today. There were a few very
isolated incidents in which Iraqi patriots lost their lives, but
freedom and democracy moved forward despite it. You may have seen on
the news that there was a rocket attack in Sadr City today. That was
in our area of operations and I went there after the incident. The
rocket hit about 40 meters from a polling station and killed 3
Adults and a child, destroyed 7 vehicles and damaged buildings.
Despite that, the people cleaned up the mess and continued to flood
into the polling center to vote. While neighborhood members mopped
the blood into the gutter, others continued to enter the station to
take advantage of their new found freedom. The mother of the dead
child voted, despite her grief. Elsewhere in our brigade's sector
two suicide bombers attacked polling stations. People were killed
and injured, but the polling stations remained open.

I walked with my patrol today throughout Sadr City, down the very
same street on which I was almost killed on the 7th of September, and
the people thanked us for providing them the security they needed to
see this day through. It was heartwarming, it made me full of pride
for our soldiers and their efforts, not just this week but since this
all began. It convinced me, maybe for the first time, that this is
genuinely worth it. It absolutely convinced me that David Heath,
Brandon Titus, Henry Risner, Yoe Aneiros, David Waters, Mark
Stubenhofer, and the over 1000 others did not die in vain. It
convinced me that SGT Mendoza lost both of his legs in the pursuit of
a higher purpose. I am assured that the 91 soldiers from this task
force that have bled in the streets of this city did so in order to
make this day a reality. Today exceeded my wildest expectations, and
while much remains to be done, a seed is planted, and I don't believe
any amount of tyranny and terror can thwart its growth. Today as I
watched men and woman swell with joy and pride as they showed me the
indelible ink on their finger that proved they had voted, I developed
new hope for the future. It took today, made possible by nearly two
years worth of blood, sweat, and tears of both Iraqis and coalition
forces, to make the hope for freedom a reality and paint genuine hope
for the future in both the minds of our soldiers and that of the
people of Iraq. I don't know if deep down, anyone ever thought today
could happen. IT DID!

There will be more violence and deaths, and there is so much more
work to do here that on any given day it seems overwhelming. Today
convinced us who witnessed it, beyond any doubt, that the cause is
just and the cost and effort are worth it. Today was an amazing day
for Iraq, for America and her allies, and for the world. As I type
this I am nearly brought to tears by the pride I feel for the flag
that adorns my right sleeve, and for all that it stands for. God
Bless you all, God bless the seeds of freedom, and God Bless America!

Maj. John Vermeesch

S-3, 1 / 41 Inf

God Bless.

Mo

Whether pro or anti the Iraq War and the administration's actions and plans, noone holds the corner on the market in caring about our military and the Iraqui people in this situation.

I feel those soldiers and Iraquis who feel hopeful after the election need that inspiration to carry on through extremely adverse circumstances.

I also know there are soldiers and Iraquis who feel much differently about all of this, and I pray for their strength as well.

But I'm certain everyone hopes things will get better.

Mo

Hey Trout,

I haven't seen you over in this neck of the woods in awhile....Good to see you!!!

Thank you for posting this letter, is it a friend of yours? If so, do you have his mailing address?

I ask becasue, my son Derek has been writing letters to the soldiers in Iraq...it's his way of letting the soldiers know he appreciates, respects and supports them ( his words, not mine )

Like most 8 year old boys, he dislikes writing, but he actually looks forward to writing his letters to the soldiers.

Plus, the soldiers seem to like getting a letter from an 8 year old boy from home ...saying that because of them, one little boy in America is sleeping better, knowing that they are protecting him and his country.

So if you have Maj. John address, I know Derek would love to send him a letter.

Hope things are well with you!

So what are you saying? Is he is using pen names?

either way if someone has his address, or any soldiers address who would like to receive a letter from an 8 year old boy, let me know..

Thanks,
~LymeBrat

No, I'm just pointing out that story is 'out there' on the internet and may not be real... don't know though.