The last U.S. soldiers rolled out of Iraq across the border into neighboring Kuwait at daybreak Sunday, whooping, fist bumping and hugging each other in a burst of joy and relief.
Their convoy’s exit marked the end of a bitterly divisive war that raged for nearly nine years and left Iraq shattered and struggling to recover.
President Obama and the First Lady traveled to Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Wednesday to welcome home the first of the returning troops and thank them — and their families — for their service.
“I could not be prouder of you. America could not be prouder of you.”
“As your commander in chief, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I’m proud to finally say these two words, and I know your families agree — welcome home. Welcome home,” Obama told cheering troops.
(READ the AP story in the NY Daily News)