Update from Iraq June 25, 2008

June 25, 2008

Hey, guys. Pictures from the Holy City of Najaf. It is the holiest city in Iraq and the holiest Shiite city as it has the shrine to the great Imam Ali. I went to be the host for the cut the ribbon of the opening of the Military Court in the Najaf Province. The 8th Iraqi Army Division hosted me. This division defends the province and the courts located on their base. Most of the soldiers from this division are from the province. They took me on a tour disguised as an Arab (see photo) & I went by the Iraqi Grand Ayatollah Al Sistani’s home (I am the first known American to ever go down that street & I got to the see the Grand Shrine to Ali, another first for an American.

Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najaf to get information of this wonderful city. I’ve included a few more photos. It was not a once in a lifetime experience, but beyond that to think I am the only known (or Unknown) American to ever go where I went!! I’ll have to tell you all about it and send many more photos.

Sincerely,

The Grand “I-Told-All-Ya” Kentani Lassus