For three weeks I have refrained from comment on the war and my thoughts have rested with the coalition forces and the repressed people of Iraq.

My thoughts are now hopes that we can temper our patriotic feelings with the challenge to win the peace, prove those wrong who despised the motives for this war and make a lasting monument for those fallen in its cause.

Don't think though that I am going to be so magnaminous with M. Jacques Chirac who has the blood of our soldiers on his hands.