Posted on 11/27/2009 12:13:19 PM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD — Two cultures come together at a table. The hosts, strangers in an exotic land, welcome native guests with a rich history stretching back thousands of years. 
In this photo from another Thanksgiving celebration in Iraq, The Red Bull logo of the 34th Infantry Division is displayed in bread for their Thanksgiving meal on Contingency Operating Base Basrah, Nov. 26. Photo by Spc. Samuel Soza, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division.
This scene, reminiscent of the historic celebration at Plymouth, took place here on Forward Operating Base Falcon, Nov. 26, as dozens of Iraqi tribal, civil and military leaders and their families were guests of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team for Thanksgiving dinner.
"It is a chance to share our culture; they invited us to Ramadan, now it is our turn," said Maj. Marty Reigher, of Apex, N.C.
The meal was the traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings, including sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, corn, green beans, apple and pumpkin pie. More importantly, it was a meeting of new comrades and a reunion of old.
"We wanted to invite our friends over to talk," said Reigher.
The scene was a collage of U.S. and Iraqi uniforms, three-piece suits, traditional dress and even jeans and t-shirts. Laughter filled the crowded room as greetings were exchanged. Nearly everyone posed for pictures and several cameras were passed around.
U.S. Soldiers guided their guests to the dining facility and pointed out the new dishes they believed their Iraqi friends might like.
The environment was an opportunity for local Iraqi social and military leaders to discuss important issues with each other.
"Iraqi culture is built on trust and a man's word,” said Reigher. “They like open forums for meetings so everyone sees and hears what is done."
After dessert and many animated conversations, it was time for the guests to leave. Hugging his host, Col. Gary Thompson, of Sanford, N.C., deputy brigade commander, Shaykh Ayad al-Jubari said, "It was an honor and we shall start celebrating Thanksgiving together from now on."
(By Sgt. Robert Jordan, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team)
Another interesting point:
"Iraqi culture is built on trust and a man's word,” said Reigher. “They like open forums for meetings so everyone sees and hears what is done."
Paging Reid, Pelosi, and the Obozo.
Isn't that the truth!!!?!!!
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