Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20081202-07
Dec. 2, 2008

MND-B Soldiers celebrate Thanksgiving with local leaders (Baghdad)
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – One Multi-National Division – Baghdad brigade shared the holiday experience of Thanksgiving with Iraqi leaders Nov. 30.

It is a 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad tradition to invite local civilian and military leaders from the surrounding area to celebrate Iraqi holidays. During Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, the Brigade hosted a weekly feast, each week a different group of Iraqi leaders were invited.

“This is a uniquely American holiday called Thanksgiving,” Lt. Col. Peter Pierce told the 25 Iraqi shaykhs and other local leaders who gathered at Forward Operating Base War Eagle.

"One of the reasons I wanted you to come tonight was that you all have taught me so much about your culture and your customs,” said Col. John Hort, commander of the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. “One of the customs that we have is the holiday of Thanksgiving … and what I’m thankful for is the people that I’ve been able to meet. To bring you here tonight is my way to say thank you.”

The meal was a traditional Thanksgiving one with turkey, prime rib, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, assorted breads and desserts.

Before the meal began a brief prayer of thanks was given. During Ramadan, a local Imam would give the invocation.

“Almighty God, our creator, to you alone we give thanks. We thank you for our health, for our families, for these friends who are present,” said Maj. Chip Nicholas, chaplain, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Usually business is the main agenda when Coalition forces and Iraqi leaders meet. While there was some business mentioned, this was a night for less serious conversation.

After dinner Hort passed out cigars to his guests and the dialogue continued.

While Thanksgiving is an American holiday, some of this night’s guests were familiar with the festivities.

“We celebrate it as one, we are all united, we are all one family,” said  Shaykh Mohammed Haraj Azeez, the Jamilla Market Council chairman. “That’s why we feel safe and secure.”

-30-

FOR QUERIES, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT: COMMERCIAL (703) 621-0781 OR IRAQNA 011-964-770-252-3225. FOR THIS PRESS RELEASE AND OTHERS, VISIT HTTP://WWW.BRAGG.ARMY.MIL/MNCI/DEFAULT.HTM

FOR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DIGITAL VIDEO AND IMAGERY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BY CALLING (678) 421-6612 OR ACCESS THEM ON-LINE AT WWW.DVIDSHUB.NET <FILE://WWW.DVIDSHUB.NET>.