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On Operation Iraqi Freedom Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who served in the military to protect our freedom.
On March 19, we commemorate Operation Iraqi Freedom Day, a significant event in American history. This day marks the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003, when the United States led a coalition to overthrow Saddam Hussein's government and bring democracy to Iraq. It was a critical moment in our nation's efforts to combat terrorism and promote global peace. Today, we honor the bravery and sacrifices of our military personnel who served during this operation, as well as the resilience and strength of the Iraqi people. Let's take a moment to remember this important chapter in our history and celebrate the progress made since then.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of Operation Iraqi Freedom</div><div class='timeline-text'>On March 20, 2003, U.S. forces alongside international allies launched Operation Iraqi Freedom to dethrone Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fall of Hussein's Regime</div><div class='timeline-text'>By April 9, 2003, U.S. forces took control of Baghdad, effectively ending Hussein's 24-year reign.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Capture of Saddam Hussein</div><div class='timeline-text'>On December 13, 2003, Saddam Hussein was captured in Operation Red Dawn by U.S. forces near his hometown Tikrit.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Iraqi Elections Held</div><div class='timeline-text'>In January 2005, Iraq held its first free elections in over 50 years, marking a major step forward in regaining sovereignty.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Execution of Saddam Hussein</div><div class='timeline-text'>On December 30, 2006, Saddam Hussein was hanged for crimes against humanity, following his trial and conviction.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Operation Iraqi Freedom</div><div class='timeline-text'>On December 15, 2011, Operation Iraqi Freedom officially ended, marking the end of a nearly nine-year American combat mission in Iraq.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade or ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold parades and ceremonies to honor and remember those who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Attend one of these events to show your support and gratitude.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a veterans organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day volunteering at a local veterans organization or hospital. You can help out with various tasks or simply spend time talking and listening to veterans who may have served during Operation Iraqi Freedom.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a military-themed movie marathon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and spend the day watching movies that honor the military and those who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. You can also include documentaries or personal stories from veterans in your marathon.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a veterans organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support by making a donation to a veterans organization that provides assistance to those who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a thank you letter to a veteran</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to write a heartfelt thank you letter to a veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Your words of gratitude and appreciation can mean a lot to someone who sacrificed so much for their country.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors the bravery and sacrifices of our military members</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Operation Iraqi Freedom Day is an important day to remember and honor the service men and women who put their lives on the line in Iraq. It's a reminder of their bravery, dedication, and sacrifices for our country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Demonstrates the strength and resilience of our nation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day also serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of our nation. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, we were able to come together as a unified force in support of our troops and their mission in Iraq.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Commemorates the end of a significant chapter in American history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Operation Iraqi Freedom marked a major milestone in American history, with the end of Saddam Hussein's regime and the beginning of a new era for Iraq. This day allows us to reflect on this momentous event and its impact on our country and the world.</p></div></div>
Operation Iraqi Freedom Day is celebrated on March 19 every year. In 2024 Operation Iraqi Freedom Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Mar 19
Sunday
2024
Mar 19
Tuesday
2025
Mar 19
Wednesday
2026
Mar 19
Thursday
2027
Mar 19
Friday
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