Is this true?

blacklab · Post by **blacklab** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 3:33 am

THE NEW BRONZE STATUE IN IRAQ

This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division. It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood,Texas.

The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad.

Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country; he melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors. Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months.

To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

Do you know why we don't hear about this in the news? Because it is heart warming and praise worthy. The media avoids it because it does not have the shock effect that a flashed breast or controversy of politics does.

BaghDaddy · Post by **BaghDaddy** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 3:37 am

blacklab wrote:THE NEW BRONZE STATUE IN IRAQ

This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division. It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood,Texas.

The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad.

Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country]http://webhome.idirect.com/j/jtdavis/pu ... Statue.jpg[/IMG]

Do you know why we don't hear about this in the news? Because it is heart warming and praise worthy. The media avoids it because it does not have the shock effect that a flashed breast or controversy of politics does.

Blacklab,

Yes that story is 100% true, a great dedication from the Iraqi's to the Soldiers serving here in Iraq helping them gain there freedom the Iraqi's justly deserve.

De Oppresso Liber

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 3:45 am

Yet another beautiful post. Thanks for the share!

Joint Chiefs of Staff · Thu Jul 14, 2005 3:47 am

Rumors drifted down to Kuwait about Kalat from the soldiers out-processing here in Kuwait on their way back home. The picture itself is very moving.

Here is one of Saddam's heads. This is the famous one that was taped live on CNN when US Soldiers tore it down in the square. The Iraqi's then rode on top of the statue as it was dragged behind a vehicle in tow.

It seems the 1st ID tried to smuggle it back to states and the US Navy customs discovered it in a wooden crate here at Camp Doha...what a day that was on base...just classic!

I need to head back over to Bldg. #9 on Doha and retake a few pictures of me and Saddam's head. As you can see this one is a bit blurred.

Croc · Post by **Croc** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:15 am

I remember seeing Iraqis' slapping the face area of that statue as it hit the ground with their shoes in a show of disgust for the man.

Must have had some real blackmarket value to try and steal it and export it out of the country.

Croc.

Joint Chiefs of Staff · Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:17 am

Croc wrote:I remember seeing Iraqis' slapping the face area of that statue as it hit the ground with their shoes in a show of disgust for the man.

Must have had some real blackmarket value to try and steal it and export it out of the country.

Croc.

Actually it was said that the 1st ID wanted to put it in their museum back in the states. Afterall it was them who tore it down.

thepieman · Post by **thepieman** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:09 pm

http://www.snopes.com/photos/military/kalat.asp

DaddyLongLeg · Post by **DaddyLongLeg** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:15 pm

Whether it's true or not, it's a nice statue and a great dedecation to all the troops who have served

Spammy · Post by **Spammy** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:47 pm

I agree great post

thepieman · Post by **thepieman** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:54 pm

DaddyLongLeg wrote:Whether it's true or not, it's a nice statue and a great dedecation to all the troops who have served

Yeah it is nice but it was commissioned by the troops themselves (Their commander) and not by the Iraqi's or the sculptor to be made. Just wanted to make that clear. I had gotten the email a while back.

Pie

Spammy · Post by **Spammy** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:54 pm

Shadddup PIE

DaddyLongLeg · Post by **DaddyLongLeg** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:57 pm

thepieman wrote:Yeah it is nice but it was commissioned by the troops themselves (Their commander) and not by the Iraqi's or the sculptor to be made. Just wanted to make that clear. I had gotten the email a while back.

Pie

I understand that, I still think it's a nice tribute no matter who built or paid for it. IMO, I don't think there can be too many tributes to the troops