A sunset picture taken by a Soldier from the 126th PAOC on November 6, 2008.

Karaka –

I wish I could take credit for this sunset picture, since it is very nicely done.  I got it from the archives of previous CPIC units.  It was taken back in 2008, so it has be one taken by a Soldier in the 126th Public Affairs Operations Center.  I looked for information identifying the photographer, but couldn’t find it.  Perhaps someone will comment and tell us who it was.

The picture is taken not far from the previous location of the CPIC, in an area we called Ocean Cliffs (there was no ocean and no cliffs, but the British were there, so they probably named it for their Cliffs of Dover).  Nearby Ocean Cliffs is the Convention Center, the Al-Rasheed Hotel, the Parliment, and offices of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.  Lot of stuff going on it that neighborhood!

I can tell it is a sunset picture since we are facing west.  The anchor is from an Iraqi naval vessel.  To the immediate right in the Monument to the Unknown Soldier — a very impressive structure that I had hoped to visit, but that never happened.  I imagine it is as sacred to Iraq’s miltiary members as our own Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

In the distance you can see the famed Crossed Swords which is the entry to a stadium and parade ground where Saddam Hussein staged elaborate displays of his power.   About a mile or so behind that is the current location of the CPIC.

I suppose we can all see some sort of symbolism in the picture, but I will leave the interpretation to the individual. 

Thanks for the request Karaka….and thank you 126th PAOC for the picture.