In Vicksburg, war watchers joyous, others cautious

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 15, 2003

[04/10/03]As television coverage showed Iraqis celebrating in Baghdad’s streets, some Vicksburg residents expressed joy while others were hesitant to believe the worst fighting may be over.

Maj. Rick Skinner of the 412th Engineer Command U.S. Army Reserve in Vicksburg watched bits and pieces of the telecast Wednesday morning of U.S. Marines and Baghdad residents collapsing a 40-foot statue of Saddam Hussein that stood in the middle of Firdos Square.

“I think it was great,” he said. “The mission was to get rid of the Iraqi regime, and it looks like that’s been accomplished piece by piece. It was great that the Iraqis could come out in public like that against Saddam Hussein who had been in control so long, and that they didn’t fear him any more.”

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Others in Vicksburg who watched the celebration were more cautious.

“We are not fighting a conventional war,” said Sonny Harpole, assistant dean of Hinds Community College Vicksburg Campus. “You don’t know who your enemy is. Don’t get secure in conquering Baghdad. We have presence, but we’re not in control. This is not finished; don’t get too comfortable with the victories.”

Harpole has three sons who have served in the military, two as Marines and one in the Navy.

Rosie Johnson said she had mixed emotions about the event. “Saddam has been such a bad leader, but it’s too early to determine what will happen,” she said. “More time needs to be given. I don’t think Saddam is finished. We need to be sure about things before we start celebrating.”

Lori Parker, whose husband is serving in Iraq, said watching the news was humbling.

“When I saw it, I was just in awe,” she said.

Like others, however, Parker was unsure whether Hussein was dead or alive. “You just never know, because he’s escaped so many times.”