By Sgt. Brian Tierce
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, attended a bridge reopening ceremony in the Kadhamiyah District of northwest Baghdad, Nov. 11.
The Al Aima Bridge has been closed since 2005 when a deadly stampede caused the deaths of nearly 1,000 Shiite pilgrims.
The reopening was more than just a ribbon-cutting event, said Lt. Col. John Vermeesch, the commander of 1st CAB, 18th Inf. Regt., who oversaw the ceremony.
"The opening of this bridge is symbolic of the unity in Baghdad," said Vermeesch. "Opening this bridge also indicates sectarian relations and security have improved due to the hard work of local leaders and coalition forces."
The ceremony marking the reopening of the bridge was a festive event and included an Iraqi army band and ceremonial sheep sacrifice. The Mayor of Baghdad, along with the major Iraqi army and Iraqi police commanders of the Karkh District, was in attendance for the ceremony. Before the ceremony, national policemen from the 2nd NP Division and Iraqi army soldiers from the 3rd, Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th IA Division, cleared and secured the bridge.
"Iraqi security forces have played an instrumental role in not only making an event like this possible but also in helping the bridge reconstruction project run smoothly," said Maj. Koné Faulkner, spokesman, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div.
The event went off without incident and traffic began flowing across the bridge.
"The people were in a celebratory mood, waving Iraqi flags as they drove across the bridge," said Vermeesch. "This event, along with others scheduled for the future in the Kadhamiyah District of Northwest Baghdad, will continue to promote security and good sectarian relations in the area."
Date Taken: | 11.11.2008 |
Date Posted: | 11.12.2008 17:06 |
Story ID: | 26257 |
Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
Web Views: | 203 |
Downloads: | 195 |
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