Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, Turkey Day was excellent here in sunny, dusty but cold Basrah. Despite the long day of work, all the Americans (and some British and Australian guests) gathered for a feast at 1930 hours. First we heard a benediction from the British Army Chaplain, which was full of praise for the long and fruitful alliance between our two cultures. It was actually quite stirring, full of noble phrases about duty and sacrifice but not in a cloying or saccharine manner. Then the two-star General Officer Commanding stood up and gave a more folksy chat, emphasizing how wonderful the United States is as a country, particularly after we threw off our “hated colonial masters.” (a comment met with chuckles and laughter) The GOC then praised Gen. Casey, the U.S. General in charge of Iraq both for his 800+ days of service in theater and, perhaps more importantly, his waiver of General Order No. 1 for this occasion. Which meant we could open and drink the bottles of Hardy’s 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, for which we heartily thanked our Australian comrades!

Dinner was buffet style, served by the senior officers who ate after we did. First was wild rice, then mashed potatoes (quite good, lots of butter), a thick slice of baked ham, sliced green beans in white sauce, mashed sweet potatoes, gravy and glorious baked turkey. Add a little potato salad and cranberry sauce on the side, and it was also very delicious.

I think the Chaplain said it best when he noted one really gives thanks not when you are surrounded by family and the wealth and luxuries of home, but instead when you are separated from family and partners, all of you noticing the empty places at the table. That is when it truly hits home. And it did. I got a tear in my eye thinking of all of you, the people I know and love and miss every day. It is only because one is part of something bigger than yourself – no matter what you think of the project in Iraq, whether you think it flawed or not, it is still a noble undertaking – that one can keep going, because even if it is the most indirect way, it is still about protecting and sustaining all the things that make possible all of you (and me next year) sitting around an awesomely packed Thanksgiving table. I hope that doesn’t sound too presumptuous but I’ve had too much red wine to go back and rewrite it. Hey, at least I’m not maudlin, right?

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and you all have my best wishes for a good holiday season.

Re pic: the Rio Grande starts quite small in northern New Mexico. The water was very cold. The sage and cedar and undergrowth was still oily and fragrant, even in late October.

Fair Winds and Following Sands!

Fair Winds and Following Sands!