3rd day in Abadan

Today we drove to Shalamche. I did not know the significance of this area before we went there. Shalamche is west of Khoramshahr. It is on the border with Iraq. It was the site of a border check and battle with Iraq. from the far we could start reading signs that do not go off trail because it had not yet been cleared of mines. There were several destroyed tanks, there was a artillery post and an anti-aircraft artillery post. there were the dug outs left from those days of battle. There was an eerie quiet. It seemed like there was a smell of blood. They had erected a building and a dome on top of an old dug out. They had posted pictures of young men who had lost their legs and arms. Long live the memory and the legacy of our soldiers and martyrs. May Saddam rot in hell.
I could see the border with the Iranian flag raised high. I could close my eyes and almost hear and touch our heroes that fought with every ounce of their being and sacrificed life and limb for our country. Where would we be today if you had not stood tall? I can hear your heart beat and could feel your excitement as you were driving the enemy forces back. Doorod bar shoma. Hail to your heroics.
I saw a picture of a young soldier with his head missing. The caption said " you can take my head but you cannot take my country ".
There is an Abadani song that says "may the home of the one who destroyed you be destroyed". I sang this song many times not knowing that I will soon mourn the lost lives of Iraqui women and children.
Saddam got what he deserved, unfortunately many lives were lost and homes destroyed over his greed.