But, after listening to Iraqi leaders talk about their hopes for the country's future, the Salt Lake City resident says she is leaning in support of the war and U.S. efforts in the Middle East.

"They're not the enemy, and we're not trying to take over their country," she says wearing a yellow T-shirt with her son's picture and name - Paul - on it. "Now I feel like my son had a purpose there. . . . I don't feel like we're just over there for oil and big business."

Wiseman was one of roughly 500 people, mostly Utah military service men and women and their families, who gathered Sunday to hear from Iraqi leaders visiting Utah at the LDS Church Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

The five-member Iraqi delegation is from the province of Babil in central Iraq. During Sunday's hour-long program, the Iraqi leaders addressed the crowd, thanking Utahns for their role in the liberation of Iraq. They also told them about how they're working hard to eliminate the "dark, bad power" that still exists in their fledgling democracy. Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert welcomed the delegation and attendees.

The event was believed to be the first time an Iraqi official has met with U.S. military service men and women and their families in the United States.

Ahmed Al-Amidy, Babil Provincial Council chairman, said as a father and husband, he understands how hard it must be for parents or spouses to know their family members are serving in Iraq. But he is grateful for the Americans who have fought for freedom and democracy in his country.

"I appreciate the sacrifices that these families gave to save Iraqis," he said through a translator.

Al-Amidy said Iraqis also want to help fight terrorism, and he hopes Muslims and Christians can work together to do so.

"We should be united," he said. "We believe we will win."

Salim Al-Musilmawi, Babil's governor, said the new Iraqi government is working toward "peace and stability" and giving its people a "modern, civilized life." Iraqi government officials are also developing good relations with other countries "based on real democracy," he said.

"We are working now to rebuild Iraq," he said through a translator. "We will stand against the bad people who want to continue to destroy Iraq."

The delegation is on a five-day visit of northern Utah, where they're meeting with professors and government officials to discuss a range of issues, including city services, farming and irrigation. A news conference is scheduled today to discuss the delegation's trip.

Since the war began in March 2003, at least 1,701 U.S. forces have been killed, according to The Associated Press.

Bryan Olchek, a Utah National Guard specialist, spent 10 months as a combat engineer in Iraq more than a year ago. The 23-year-old University of Utah student said hearing the Iraqi government officials declare their support for democracy reaffirmed his belief that the United States has a purpose there.

"It's nice to hear their appreciation and that they're glad that we're over there," said Olchek, wearing his uniform. "It's a satisfying feeling knowing we're doing something for their country."

Carol Stagge, a Layton resident whose son served in Iraq, said she's glad she got to hear from Iraqi leaders.

"It makes me feel that we really are just one people on this earth," she said. "We all want the same thing for our families - peace, safety, education."

But for 22-year-old Tara Wiseman, Jane Wiseman's daughter, the program made her "feel more mixed up" about the war and Iraq's future.

"Where are we going to be in five years?" said the Brigham Young University junior. "Are we still going to be hearing about suicide bombers every day?"