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2006
Soap Box Archives Baghdad 05/05/06 We arrived in Baghdad around midnight and headed for our quarters to rest after what had turned out to be a long day. Our quarters were in one of the lesser structures in Saddam’s compound, one of about two hundred he built around Iraq. The Al Faw Palace in this compound is a study in extravagance and bad taste. There is a magnificent chandelier in the huge domed lobby which cost more than a million dollars but the tens of thousands of shiny baubles on it are not crystal but plastic. There are bedrooms big enough to play tennis in but they tell me there’s only one bathtub in the whole place. The base in Baghdad is adjacent to the Baghdad International Airport and is a huge facility where the things that happen are varied and strategic. There are always diplomats and big wigs flying in and out and there are even a few commercial flights a day going out of the civilian side of the field. The base is a beehive of activity and the troops there are either tromping through mud or breathing dust. Their spirits
are good and they were just about ready for a little American music
by the time we hit the stage that night. This army of citizen soldiers are, in my estimation, among the best we’ve ever had. To wear the uniform is one thing but to wear it proudly is another entirely. To serve because you’re drafted is admirable but to serve because you volunteered is admirable indeed. To live for your country is patriotic but to be willing to die for it is an act of courage above and beyond. Remember these young warriors in your prayers. They’re fighting so you can sleep in your bed at night without fear, so your sons and daughters can grow up in an atmosphere of confidence and safety. They’re fighting for you and me and every other freedom loving person on the face of the earth. The least they deserve is our respect and support. Let’s give it to them.
Pray for our troops. What do you think? God Bless America Charlie Daniels
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