Last updated on June 5th, 2014 at 11:46 pm
During his surprise visit to Afghanistan, President Obama thanked the troops for their service, told them that they have completed their mission, and promised to shake every hand in attendance.
President Obama touched down in Afghanistan at 8.17 pm on Sunday for a surprise visit to our troops after “slipping out of the White House unannounced after dark on Saturday,” per the White House pool.
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The President wanted to entertain the troops, so he brought country star Brad Paisley with him. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes explained on Air Force One en route to Bagram Airfield that the President saw the trip as “principally as an opportunity for the President to thank American troops and civilians for their service. It’s been two years since he’s been able to get to Afghanistan, and he felt that it was very important for him to express directly to the troops his gratitude.”
The president thanked Brad Paisley, and the civilian partners who are in Afghanistan in support roles. Obama gave props to various divisions and task forces in attendance. Obama said that his singular mission was to thank the troops for their service.
Obama said he was there representing 300 million Americans who wanted to say thank you as well. He said, “When it comes to supporting you and your families, the American people stand united.” He said you can see it everyday in the actions of the people who send the troops care packages and Girl Scout cookies. You see it in the friends and neighbors who help the families and children of troops.
President Obama said, “I’m here to say thank you, and I’m here to say I’m proud of you.” The president said that we are at a pivotal moment because U.S. troops have moved to a support role. He said that by the end of this year, America’s role in combat will be over, and the war in Afghanistan will come to a responsible end.
Obama told the troops, “I don’t ever want you to forget why you are here, and how vital your mission is to our national security.” The president talked about dedicated the 9/11 museum, and told the troops that they are here to make sure that a 9/11 doesn’t happen again.
The president told the troops to be proud because they are completing their mission. President Obama said that the progress has come at a heavy price, and promised to honor the lives that have been lost forever. The president said that once the bilateral security agreement is signed the U.S. will maintain a limited presence to make sure that Afghanistan can never be used for another terrorist attack again.
Obama talked about the 9/11 flag, and paid tribute to the troops, and said, “Our flag will always be there because the freedom and liberty it represents will always be defended by people like you.”
The president thanked everyone, and then promised to shake the hand of everyone there. He said that he may not be able to take a selfie with everyone, but he was going to shake hands with everybody.
Unlike President Bush’s attempts to boost morale back home by popping by to visit the troops, President Obama’s remarks were focused on letting the troops know that their mission is ending, and it is time to come home. Some on the far left will interpret these remarks as Obama being a warmonger, but these are the same people who view every action by every president as either a pretext to war or warmongering.
President Obama’s speech was focused on thanking the troops for what they do every single day. Part of the president’s message seem to be directed at the American people. He wanted to remind the American people why going to Afghanistan was so important.
Terrorism is a reality of our world, so bringing all the troops home is unrealistic, but has kept his promise by bringing the expansion of the right wing war machine to a halt.
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