Congress marks the end of the Iraq war

{mosads}The White House Web page points viewers to the Joining Forces military initiative as a way to thank serving troops and veterans.

Democrats on Twitter celebrated the conclusion of the war, with many crediting Obama for “keeping his promise” to pull the troops out of Iraq and several suggesting he turn his attention now to accelerating the transition out of Afghanistan.

“Today I’m wearing a yellow ribbon to welcome our troops home from Iraq and thank them for their service,” tweeted House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).

Republicans overall have been less enthusiastic over the big change in Iraq, with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) warning the pullout is happening too fast.

“I really think we risk, great risk, at losing everything we gained, and that is the opinion of every military leader I’ve talked to,” McCain said on NBC’s “Today” show Thursday.

Similarly, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld tweeted: “To all who have served in Iraq, thank you for your sacrifice. May victory not be squandered by our nation’s inattention.”

Several House Republicans on Thursday pointed attention for Iraq back to the military service members. Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.) tweeted: “Today we mark the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq. Please thank our troops!”