British Prime Minister Tony Blair
Posted on 06/11/2003 2:43:19 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
Despite political opposition in his own country, as well as calls from some members of the British Parliament for an inquiry into whether intelligence was inflated to justify war with Iraq, Americans wishing to thank Prime Minister Tony Blair for siding with the U.S. in the conflict can now do so.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair |
A Massachusetts man has launched a website that gives Americans the opportunity to send Blair a note of gratitude for putting British troops in harm's way alongside American forces in their bid to oust Saddam Hussein from power.
"When the call came to stand and be counted, the United Kingdom came to our side," said Jon Sanford of West Falmouth, Mass., in launching his site, ThankYouTony.com.
By contributing some 45,000 British soldiers, sailors and airmen to the war effort, Blair "took a big political risk in supporting us," Sanford said.
"The United Kingdom has long been a strong and loyal ally to the United States," he said. "This website offers a positive outlet where people can express themselves and extend thanks to Prime Minister Blair for his courage and leadership."
 British and American soldier confer over captured Iraqi weapons. |
So far, more than 2,750 people from 40 countries have contributed messages. The site says messages will be printed out and mailed weekly to Mr. Blair's office at 10 Downing Street in London.
Blair's official website doesn't provide an e-mail address for people to contact him, Sanford said.
Sanford also wants President Bush to recommend that the prime minister be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to a 1963 executive order by then-President John F. Kennedy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom may be bestowed upon any individual who has made an "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States or world peace, or cultural or significant public or private endeavors."
"I believe that it is important for Americans to say thank you to Tony Blair and the British people," said Sanford. "When the call came to stand and be counted, the United Kingdom came to our side. They have proved themselves to be true allies of the United States."
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