The Balad Ruz mayor, along with members of the Iraqi Army and Police, city officials and Soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Balad Ruz radio station on 18 December.
The opening of the Al Noor Radio Station, also known as “The Light,” will allow the community to get up to date news and information in their homes – information other than what the terrorists want to put out, said Mayor Mohamed Maroof al-Hussein, mayor of Balad Ruz.
“This is a great day for Balad Ruz and its people,” said Al-Hussein. “I think this is a new stage for our city and a new way to serve our people.” “This is a free station,” he continued. “The people can say what they want. The people can speak freely.”
After the ceremony, spectators were given a tour of the new facility and spoke with the new employees. Until the employees are further trained, the station, which is now up-and-running, will start its operations at 7 am and end at 1 pm.
“I hope this new service will encourage other cities to start stations to better serve their people,” said Al-Hussein.
(Source: Multi-National Corps – Iraq/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
