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Congresswoman Wilson Salutes American Forces As the United States Military Officially Declares an End To the Mission In Iraq

Wilson: "Every service member should be applauded and recognized this holiday season, especially those who served us so well and for so long in Iraq. Now we can finally say "Mission Accomplished."

Wilson: “Every service member should be applauded and recognized this holiday season, especially those who served us so well and for so long in Iraq. Now we can finally say “Mission Accomplished.”

After nine years, nearly 4,500 American deaths, 32,000 wounded men and women, and more than $800 billion spent, the War in Iraq is concluding. Iraq has been placed on a path to democracy and security.

“Our Nation should be celebrating all of the brave men and women – nearly one million – who have served in Iraq over nine years. There should be a parade in every city and a flag hanging from every door in America.”

Today, there are two U.S. bases and almost 4,000 troops left in Iraq — a dramatic decline from the almost 500 military installations and 170,000 troops put in place during the surge ordered under George W. Bush in 2007, almost four years after his ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech.

“President Obama is returning American men and women back to their families. With the demise of Osama bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi and several al-Qaeda operatives, President Obama has the led the world to a safer place in 2011.”

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Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. She is a former state legislator and school principal and the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.