Iraqis Defy Terrorists

Preliminary data shows a 72% voter turnout so far. All we Americans have to worry about it is rain, yet we don't go to the polls in those numbers. And these people are all arriving on foot. Go, Iraqis! You are brave people.

After all car movements were prohibited, thousands of Iraqis make a trip on foot to the town of Al Alamara, Iraq, to place their votes Sunday, Jan. 30 2005.

Think getting to the polls on foot is extreme?

Some arrived in wheelchairs.

This one in a baby stroller.

This man with no wheelchair had a donkey pull him into the polling place on a little cart.

Another man was carried on someone's back.

This Iraqi soldier is crawling to the polling station as a sign of respect, his voter's registration in his mouth.

Over at Iraq the Model is the story of one Iraqi's visit to the polls:

I walked forward to my station, cast my vote and then headed to the box, where I wanted to stand as long as I could, then I moved to mark my finger with ink, I dipped it deep as if I was poking the eyes of all the world's tyrants.
I put the paper in the box and with it, there were tears that I couldn't hold; I was trembling with joy and I felt like I wanted to hug the box but the supervisor smiled at me and said "brother, would you please move ahead, the people are waiting for their turn".

Yes brothers, proceed and fill the box!
These are stories that will be written on the brightest pages of history.

UPDATE:
Lots more good coverage over at Tim Blair's.