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U.S. Ambassador welcomes home lithuanian troops from iraq

February 23, 2004

23 Feb 2004 – Rukla, Lithuania — Fifty-four troops of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanized Infantry Battalion's detachment LITCON 2 (Lithuanian contingent) returned from an international mission in Iraq on Monday.  The welcome home ceremony in Rukla was attended by Defense Minister Linas Linkevicius, Lithuanian Army Commander Major General Jonas Kronkaitis, Motorized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf Lieutenant Colonel Gediminas Jurgutis, and U.S. Ambassador Stephen D. Mull.  U.S. Ambassador Mull was invited to give remarks at the ceremony.  The complete text of his speech follows.

The Speech of U.S. Ambassador Stephen D. Mull Marking the Return of Lithuanian Troops from Iraq     

Minister Linkevcius, General Kronkaitis, Soldiers of the Grand Duke Algirdas Motorized Infantry Battalion.  It is the proudest moment of my time so far in Lithuania as the Ambassador of the United States to stand here today with your military’s leaders to welcome you back from the battlefields of Iraq, with the warmest thanks of the people of the United States for all that you have done in the defense of freedom for the people of Iraq.  

The success and value of your Mission is yet another example of how Lithuania has exceeded all expectations in the short period since the re-establishment of Independence.  In the next few months Lithuania will achieve two of its principle goals when it becomes a full member of both NATO and the European Union.  However, those that know Lithuania also know that Lithuania has long been an active contributor to both of those organizations and has proven herself a great ally to NATO and the United States.  Lithuania's contributions to the US-led coalitions in Afghanistan and Iraq are only the latest examples of her extensive efforts to contribute to security and stability to other regions of the world and to end the threat of terrorism.  The United States recognizes the value of Lithuania’s contributions, and we admire and greatly respect that you make them in spite of the threat of physical danger and political risk.

As soldiers, you have done your country and our alliance proud and have been outstanding representatives of your country and your countrymen.  You have been the visible example of Lithuania's foreign policy to nations abroad.  You have performed your duties in a superior manner and have earned great praise from the coalition members with whom you have worked.  While in Iraq, you helped bring stability and a sense of normalcy to the people of Iraq.  You gave them security and prevented criminal activity.  You deterred trafficking in illegal goods and weapons.  You assisted in re-establishing the systems that provide vital services such as water and electricity.  No matter what you do for the rest of your lives, you will always be able to look back on the past several months and know that you personally made a difference in improving the lives of the Iraqi citizens and spreading the cause of freedom that both Lithuanians and Americans prize so deeply.

In November 2002, President George Bush stood in Rotuse Square in Vilnius and declared that from that day forward, any nation, which chose Lithuania as an enemy also, chose the United States of America as an enemy.  I can tell you that based on the unanimous praise of your American and other comrades for your outstanding performance on the battlefields of Iraq, that the United States is very lucky indeed to have new allies as brave, committed and hardworking as you proud sons of Lithuania.

Thank you for all that you have done and welcome home.