Flag lowered as last 12 Diggers leave Iraq

The Weekend Australian ^ | 1st August 2009 | Mark Dodd

[naturalman1975]

THE last 12 Australian troops serving with US units in Iraq have finished their mission and are heading home, formally ending Canberra's controversial six-year involvement in the bloody conflict.

.....

Under an agreement between Canberra and the Iraqi government all Australian troops except those serving with an embassy-based security detachment had to be withdrawn by July 31.

.....

Departing Australian troops were farewelled with flag-lowering ceremonies, with the honour of the last Australian soldier to leave Iraq going to Corporal Don Mander.

.....

Defence Minister John Faulkner said the withdrawal of the last Australian troops marked an end to Operation Catalyst, which saw about 20,000 ADF personnel deployed to Iraq over the past six years.

"As the operation has now successfully concluded, Defence will consider suitable opportunities for public recognition which may included parades in appropriate locations," he said.

"It would be appropriate, now that the contribution to the Iraq effort has been concluded from Australia's perspective, that perhaps we look at some form of public recognition of the wonderful contribution of all of those who served in Iraq have made," RSL national president Major General Bill Crews said.

[FlingWingFlyer]

Thanks you to all the Aussies who helped us when we needed your help. You are true friends. This American won’t forget that!

[Bahbah]

I feel sad. I liked having these guys with us.

[Bigg Red]

God bless the Aussies. Always reliable.

[MinorityRepublican]

An Australian Special Air Service patrol in Iraq during the 2003 Iraq War

[BlessedBeGod]

Thank you for your help. We know we can always count on you.

[petertare]

The Diggers served with honor—thanks to their previous administration and the dedicated sacrifice of some mighty fine soldiers.

As allies, they are the best. We needed them, and they were there in the most difficult of times.

Fair winds and following seas outbound. You had our backs.

USA

[Vn_survivor_67-68]

Please also accept my Thanks for and Pride in once again having good and decent Australians in the thick of it with us and the others. Good job! as always.

[Jabba the Nutt]

"...formally ending Canberra's controversial six-year involvement in the bloody conflict."

Note on the language used by the media. "Controversial" can be defined as something the liberals disagree with. Has Obamacare ever been described as "controversial"? No, nope, don't think so. No, Obamacare is fantastic; it's the American People, who are too stupid to realize how great it is. Can something that fantastic be "controversial"?

[LiberConservative]

Thanks, Mates.

[Billthedrill]

Heartfelt thanks. I see the Aussie papers aren’t any more eager than their American counterparts to use a certain word, so I will - V I C T O R Y.