Iraqi Government Declares April 9 "Iraqi Freedom Day"

Iraqis have seen amazing progress in three years, says coalition spokesman

To commemorate Iraq's liberation three years ago, when coalition forces removed Saddam Hussein's regime from power, the Iraqi government has declared April 9 "Iraqi Freedom Day," says U.S. Army Major General Rick Lynch, spokesman for Multi-National Force - Iraq.

"Sometimes we get so caught up in the events of the day, the struggle to form a national unity government, the most recent [insurgent attack], that we forget the progress that has been made in the last three years," Lynch told journalists at an April 6 press briefing in Baghdad, Iraq.

When the coalition's final drive on April 7, 2003, ended its rapid, dramatic "thunder run" in the heart of Baghdad two days later, "the people of the world knew that the coalition was there to free the people of Iraq," Lynch said.

He said April 9 was chosen for the commemoration because it is the anniversary of the date the world watched as the statue of Saddam Hussein was toppled in Firdos Square.

Released from dictatorship, the Iraqis have made amazing progress since 2003, Lynch said, including holding several free elections, convening a Council of Representatives, drafting and ratifying a constitution, working to form a national unity government and, currently, prosecuting Saddam for crimes committed against the Iraqi people. (See related article.)

Source: U.S. Department of State

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