Kendrick Meek Cheers Obama for Closing Iraq War

Minutes after President Barack Obama declared the end of combat operations in Iraq, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democratic nominee in the U.S. Senate race, cheered the president for bringing the war to an end.

"After seven long and hard-fought years, our combat mission in Iraq is finally coming to a close, said Meek. "We must first recognize the enormous sacrifices of our courageous men and women in uniform and their families. They have excelled in their mission and performed beyond our greatest expectations. Florida is home to nearly 2 million veterans and it is our responsibility to honor their sacrifices with outstanding care when they return. Above all, we thank them for their service to our country.

"Tonight, the president kept his promise to the American people to end combat operations responsibly and help the Iraqi people take full control over their own future, added Meek. Our service men and women have been away from their families for too long. They have missed birthdays, holidays, and family celebrations. It is time to bring our men and women in uniform home and I look forward to seeing every last one of them return from Iraq by the end of 2011.

"Our mission in Iraq cannot be separated from our domestic priorities, concluded Meek. As we cope with the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, we need to start making investments here at home. Bringing the war in Iraq to a responsible close moves us one step closer to that goal.