WASHINGTON - January 20 - On the morning of the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States , members of Military Families Speak Out are expressing hope that a new President might finally take the actions needed to bring the war in Iraq to an end. But families also have deep concerns about the incoming administration's stated intention of continuing that occupation by leaving tens of thousands of troops in Iraq indefinitely.

Larry and Judy Syverson, members of Military Families Speak Out from Richmond, VA will be attending the inauguration. Judy Syverson said:

"We're the parents of three active duty sons. This spring our oldest son will return to Iraq. It will be our family's sixth deployment to Iraq. We will be attending Obama's inauguration to remind those celebrating that the war continues. Millions of Americans look to President Obama to bring out the best in our nation. This military family hopes that President Obama does what is best for our country and for the Iraqi people by ending the war and bringing our troops home now."

Larry Syverson added:

"President Obama needs to realize that six years of a war based on lies is six years too many. President Obama needs to bring all of our troops home now and make sure they are never again sent to fight in a reckless and unjust war!"

Military Families Speak Out member Elaine Brower traveled from New York to urge President Obama to bring her son, and all troops, home from Iraq. Brower said:

"This is certainly a historic moment for our country, and a special time as we finally get to say goodbye to the failed policies of the Bush Administration. Military family members have suffered immensely during the past 6 years. My son, on his third tour of duty with the Marine Corps Reserves, has served his country in an outstanding manner and deserves to come home and stay home. Our patriotic military members have been stretched to the breaking point, with multiple tours of duty. As a military mom, I have very mixed emotions about our new president, Barack Obama. I want to look forward to a new future of hope and peace, but he is signaling otherwise. President Obama and his cabinet members, have said they will keep troops in Iraq, up to 80,000. I will continue raising my voice along with other military families engaged in the fight to withdraw all of our troops from Iraq immediately, and to get them the care they need when they get home."

Members of Military Families Speak Out are available for interview -- including those in Washington for the inauguration and those watching the inauguration from home.