Tester: End of Iraq War ‘begins a new chapter’ for America

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement on the official end of the Iraq War:

“The end of this war begins a new chapter for both America and Iraq. Over the past decade, America’s troops opened the doors for Democracy, laying a strong foundation for Iraq’s future. Iraq will no doubt face challenges in the months ahead, but the U.S. military has done its job. It is time for our troops to come home with our gratitude and our respect.

“As America’s soldiers, sailors, Marines and Airmen return from Iraq, we must not forget the thousands of Americans still in harm’s way in Afghanistan and around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with the families and friends of the 4,484 Americans who never came home from Iraq. We will remember them as heroes. And while honoring our veterans with our words, our nation also must honor them with our deeds, and to provide them and their families with the quality of care and services they have earned and deserve.”

Tester has been to Iraq twice since 2007. In September he called on the President and Congress to bring all Operation New Dawn troops home from Iraq by December 31, saying “they should not be in Iraq one minute more than is necessary.”

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