Liberation Day in Iraq: April 9
Liberation Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Iraq
April 9 is Iraq’s celebration of its Liberation Day. This is a day in their history where the country was finally freed from the ruling power of the tyrant Saddam Hussein. This holiday was officially declared by President al-Maliki when the US troops finally conquered Baghdad and captured Hussein during the Iraq War on 2003.
History of Iraq’s Liberation Day
The Iraq War which was declared by the United States started on March 20, 2003 with the purpose of capturing Iraq’s dictator, Saddam Hussein. Hussein became a threat to the country’s economic stability and it was believed that he and his troops were possessing weapons of mass destruction which they will use on future attacks to other nations. Allegedly, there were also some issues who came out stating that Saddam Hussein was in connivance with the al-Qaeda.
And on 2001, after the September 11 Twin Tower bombing in the United States, US President George W. Bush finally made a one big decision to stop terrorism and bring down the administration of Saddam Hussein. Over the years, the US and its allied nations have concluded that Iraq was responsible for the terror attacks and biological warfare that happened in the past. Not to mention the thousands of civilians who were killed during Saddam’s era.
Because of this, the United States established a military operation to bring down the seat of President Saddam Hussein and incarcerate him. The US military troops were successful to bring down and disarm the country’s capital, Baghdad on April 9, 2009 which liberated the whole of Iraq. However, President Hussein was then still nowhere to be found.
Weeks after the Fall of Baghdad, Hussein was still missing in action and even the military can barely tell his whereabouts. He became one of US’ most-wanted Iraqis. On July 2003, there was an encounter with Hussein and his family members in which Hussein’s two sons and grandson were killed during the gunfight with the US army. Hussein however, was captured alive on December 14, 2003.
The Iraqi people celebrated with joy as the country was disarmed and Baghdad fell into the rescue of the Americans.
Iraq’s Liberation Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
As a way for the Iraqis to rejoice and celebrate for their liberation, they give respect and honor during the 9th of April every year for their liberation. The day was previously called National Sovereignty Day which later on was changed to Liberation Day.
The Iraqis can’t help but feel emotional during the commemoration of their liberty. For the Iraqis, the day of their liberty is like waking up from a long and tragic nightmare that lasted for so many years.
The government organizes several memorial activities during this day to pay tribute to the victims and heroes of the Iraq War.
Other interesting posts:
- Iraq Observes FAO Day on April 17
- Kuwait Celebrates Liberation Day
- National Iraqi Day Celebrated in Iraq
- Iraq Observes Iraqi Kurdistan’s Spring Day
- Iraq Ceasefire Day
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