(Bristol, PA) – Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District), the first Iraq war veteran elected to Congress, released the following statement today regarding the departure of the last full U.S. combat brigade from Iraq:

“Today marks the end of a chapter in American history as we remember and honor the 4,400 brave troops who gave up their lives to serve their country. The sacrifice of my fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms will never be forgotten. And we renew our commitment to care for the thousands returning home with the scars of war - both those that are visible and others unable to be seen. My thoughts and prayers are with the 50,000 troops who remain in Iraq, as well as those deployed in Afghanistan or serving on bases in the United States and throughout the world.

It is critical that we continue to refocus our efforts on dismantling terrorist networks in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda's safe haven, and the border regions of Pakistan.”

For Immediate Release, August 19, 2010
Contact, Sara Schaumburg, (202) 225-4276