Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers made the following comments today as the House passed a bi-partisan resolution commending the Armed Forces of the United States for its role in liberating Iraq, and the Iraqi people for their courage in adopting a new constitution after years of oppressive rule.

“One year ago this week, the Armed Forces of the United States helped begin the liberation of the people of Iraq. Whereas Iraq was once a country ruled by fear, today Iraq is now a country firmly embracing freedom.

“Our military has served with honor and with dignity. Thousands of men and women from across Alabama have answered the call to serve, and continue to do their part every day in defending the cause of liberty.

“Each and every life lost is a tragedy, both for our families and for our nation, and we pray for those who are suffering in times of grief. But we will stay the course. We will ensure Iraq becomes a fully free and democratic nation and will bring our troops home as soon as possible, but not before our mission to defeat terror – in all its forms – is complete.

“I thank the men and women in our Armed Forces who continue to defend our freedoms around the world, and commend the Iraqi people for helping lay the foundations for a free and democratic Iraq.”