KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Dec. 15, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) marks the 14th anniversary of the conclusion of the Iraq War. We pause in solemn reflection to honor the service of the more than 1.5 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who deployed to Iraq from March 2003 to December 2011 and pay tribute to the nearly 4,500 courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation and advance the cause of freedom.
As an organization comprised of combat veterans, VFW members recognize the tremendous burden carried by our Iraq War veterans and their families, many whom endured multiple, demanding deployments and who often carried the invisible wounds of war as they returned home.
While this major conflict officially ended, the threat remains. The VFW continues to honor the selfless service of our men and women currently deployed to the region to ensure stability, and to help keep us safe here at home.
Please join the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary in honoring the veterans of the Iraq War and remembering our brave defenders who continue to carry the torch of freedom forward.