5 years later ... Operation Iraqi Freedom has been successful

"Five years into this battle, there is an understandable debate over whether the war was worth fighting, whether the fight is worth winning, and whether we can win it. The answers are clear to me: Removing Saddam Hussein from power was the right decision -- and this is a fight America can and must win." -- President George W. Bush, 3/19/08

Five years after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, many Americans nationwide have stood firm in support of our troops by publicly voicing that support throughout the years.

Today's Waynesboro News Virginian has an article on the war and how those in the SWAC community feel about it. We have many military members here because of the Stonewall Brigade that is stationed at the Staunton Armory so we are more of a pro-victory area than someplace like Berkeley, California. Support the Troops rallies routinely outnumber anti-war protests ... but there are still those who have been out there since the beginning protesting every step the President has taken to protect America.

President George W. Bush, addressing members of the military at the Pentagon, said today, "Five years ago tonight, I promised the American people that in the struggle ahead 'we will accept no outcome but victory.' Today, standing before men and women who helped liberate a nation, I reaffirm the commitment. The battle in Iraq is noble, it is necessary, and it is just. And with your courage, the battle in Iraq will end in victory."

After 9/11, President Bush said, "We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail." He will continue to fight freedom's enemies and protect the American people from terrorism.

Thank you to our troops and their families. Thank you to the families of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to our veterans.

And thank you, President Bush, for your leadership at a time of war.