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Families in Samarra re
The annual Eid al-Adha, “Festival of Sacrifice,”
is celebrated by practioners of the Muslim faith in
recognition of Abraham’s willingness and obedience
to sacrifice his only son to the Lord.
Story and Photos by
Sgt. Ian Terry
2nd Bn., 35th Inf. Regt.
Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Army Soldiers from the
2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry
Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division worked
hand-in-hand with Iraqi community leaders to coordinate
large-scale gift-giving operations in recognition of Eid al-
Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, in Samarra Dec. 8-11, 2008.
Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers handed out food, drinks, school
supplies, blankets and space heaters to more than 200 needy
families during Operation Abraham. Word of the Eid gift
distribution spread quickly through the community, and many
families were able to receive things they needed to improve
their daily lives.
“Operation Abraham has provided an excellent stage for
the people of Iraq to recognize and understand the goals of
the Iraqi government,” said Lt. Col. Samuel Whitehurst, battalion
commander, 2nd Bn., 35th Inf. Regt. “That goal,” he
continued, “is to provide a higher standard of living for all of
Iraq’s citizens.”
The Eid tradition finds its roots 4,000 years ago when
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son to glorify God. This
sacrifice is symbolized today through animal slaughter, the
meat of which is shared with those less fortunate, and giftgiving
among friends and family. Few things are as contagious
as goodwill, and this creates a common ground for all
people. As varied and contentious as religions can sometimes
be, common ground is found with Abraham. The Jewish,
20 Task Force Lightning
Lt. Col. Samuel Whitehurst, commander, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, helps Iraqi
Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) in Samarra, Iraq.
Christian and Muslim faiths alike all recognize Abraham in
similar light, and honor his willingness to sacrifice for something
greater than himself.
“This kind of operation is what we live for over here,”
said Pfc. Noah Suiter, rifleman, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 2nd Bn., 35th Inf. Regt. “Most Soldiers won’t say it
out loud because it doesn’t sound tough, but if we can make it
through Iraq without ever firing a shot, we have definitely succeeded.”
“This kind of operation is what we live
for over here,”
“The people of Samarra are finally beginning to really see
we are on their side,” said Mayor Mahmood Khala Ahmed, the
mayor of Samarra. “This trust is an essential piece in our great
vision for our country.”
“We may have helped provide the gifts and food, but this
operation and its execution was wholly owned by you and your
efforts,” Whitehurst responded.