The Dedication

A Moment of Acknowledgment and Reflection

SERGIO VIEIRA de MELLO

We entered Iraq with an intent to bring about positive change – change that would lead to democracy and peace for Iraq and greater security for the world.

While significant efforts and sacrifice of human lives have accomplished the removal of Saddam Hussein from his 24-year brutal dictatorship, the goal of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous democracy for Iraq remains a dream – a difficult but worthy dream.

It is this noble cause that so many brave men and women have fought and died for, and continue to fight in risk of their own future. We honor those who have put their lives at risk in pursuit of this goal, and ask that each of us – as policy planners, diplomats, governmental and non-governmental officials – pool our resources and best ideas to offer a plan that will end the struggle and move Iraq onto a brighter and peaceful future.

pictured:
SERGIO VIEIRA de MELLO
1948-2003

SERGIO VIEIRA de MELLO
1948-2003

On August 19, 2003, Sergio Viera de Mello, while leading U.N. efforts in Iraq was killed in a truck bombing that detonated outside his office at the Baghdad-based U.N. headquarters. De Mello stands out as a courageous and highly skilled diplomatic expert who dedicated and lost his life in the quest for peace. He and other U.N. personnel who assume extreme personal risk in their daily mission deserve our respect and appreciation. This was a tragic loss for the United Nations and for the world — one that will be felt by all for many years to come.

“… Sergio Vieira de Mello, the brilliant and charismatic U.N. official who died in the bombing, symbolized the potential of the American relationship with the United Nations. In his extraordinary career, Sergio – my friend for more than 20 years – worked in many dangerous spots, including Bangladesh, Cyprus, Cambodia, Lebanon, Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Congo, Mozambique, and East Timor. While loyally serving his organization, Sergio was usually advancing America’s long-term interests as well. He saw nothing strange or incompatible in this. On the contrary, he believed passionately that the ideas and goals of the United States were symmetrical, if not always identical. He was a great humanitarian …”
Richard Holbrooke

AMERICAN TROOPS AND PERSONNEL

Our brave men and women who serve on the ground and in the air in Iraq are shouldering this war. With many serving a second or third tour, their personal lives, families, and futures are put on hold in service to our country.

Over 3,800 have lost their lives and almost 97,000 soldiers have been wounded in combat. We honor these men and women, and we dedicate ourselves to bringing this war to an end.

IRAQI CITIZENS

We also dedicate this issue and our-selves to the Iraqi citizens who have suffered so terribly because of this Invasion and Occupation, and the insurgency that was generated. We hope that this effort – this providing of a Plan to end this war and to bring about a logical and lasting peace – will finally end their suffering and allow all refugees to return home.

Over 83,000 Iraqi civilians have died as a result of the war. We must help to heal this war-torn country and bring peace and hope for the future of the Iraqi people.