President Obama: U.S. Troops In Iraq Home By End of Year

Troops stationed in Iraq are coming home. President Obama, in a national address, said all the troops in the Mideast country are leaving and will be home for the holidays. After more than nine years of fighting in the foreign land, more than 160,000 troops committed during that time period, and over $750 billion, the brave men and women are coming back to the states.

At his address from the White House, President Obama said, "As promised the rest of our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year. After nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over. The last American soldier will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success, and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops."

According to CNN, the country now has 39,000 troops on the ground. The United State initially agreed to keep up to 5,000 troops in the country but the two sides couldn't agree on important issues, including immunity from prosecution by Iraqi courts for troops. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said the immunity deal was a must to keep troops in the country.

So after more than 4,000 troops killed in action, the troops will finally get to spend more time with their loved ones. This is a time of excitement for America in that the country can celebrate the return of our nation's heroes. If you see a soldier in your travels, remember to thank them for their contribution and keeping everyone safe.

(Photo Source: Flickr/U.S. Army)

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