Watertown, New York Welcomes Troop Withdrawal Announcement

June 22, 2011

Statues on Watertown, New York's town square speak of honor, country, and wars fought in the past

As President Obama announces his plan to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, military communities around the country welcome the news. Watertown, New York, is near Fort Drum, home of the Army's 10th Mountain Division, which has been in constant deployment during the past decade

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The walls of the American Legion Hall in Watertown, New York, are adorned with photographs of local men and women who have served their country during war. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Phil Gary served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He said he is in favor of President Obama's plan to start withdrawing thousands of troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year. Many of those troops are from the Army's 10th Mountain Division, stationed nearby at Fort Drum.

“No matter what time in the world it is or what year in the world it is, there is always going to be a conflict," Gary said. "I believe they are always going to ask for help, along with the United Nations and other countries so, are you asking me if I agree with it? Yes, because I believe in our president and he directed it.”

That sense of duty is not uncommon in this part of the country. Watertown is a small industrial city along the Black River, where conservative values run strong, and there is a long history of military service. Statues on the town square speak of honor, country, and wars fought in the past.