Readers Recall: Iraq War Affected Family, Friends

As the 10-year anniversary of the start of the Iraq War passes this week, Napa Valley residents took a moment to share their memories of March  19, 2003, the day the U.S. began military strikes against Iraq.

Although President George W. Bush would declare "Mission Accomplished" later that spring and the U.S. would capture Saddam Hussein before the end of the year, fighting against insurgents continued for years, and 4,802 Americans and allies would die over the course of the war, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count.

President Barack Obama declared "the American combat mission in Iraq has ended" on Aug. 31, 2010. An 18-month troop draw-down began shortly thereafter and the U.S. withdrawal of military personnel was completed in December 2011.

This week, Pres. Obama said: "On this solemn anniversary, we draw strength and inspiration from these American patriots who exemplify the values of courage, selflessness and teamwork that define our Armed Forces and keep our nation great."

On Facebook, here's what some of our Napa Valley readers had to say:

• Cynthia Langlois Yallop at home w/ my Mom and I cried....knew it was just to be sad no matter what.19 hours ago · Like
• Renee Cazares shocked how we fell for the lies given for the reasons .18 hours ago via mobile · Like
• Jennifer Vallerga in shock when it started, supportive of friends and family who went over there. impact wise, still supportive of pur troops, but hate every bit of it as it took the lives of two friends and my god brother.18 hours ago via mobile · Like
• Darlene M Dormer Schueler I marked it on my wall calendar as War started. My folks and I kept calling each other to share the news. Dreadful. Still dreadful. My dad, a retired colonel was so against war in that part of the world.17 hours ago via mobile · Like
• Kellie Fuller I felt like the only person on the planet who didn't see a connection between Iraq and 9/11. I was devastated about this war. I cried.16 hours ago · Like
• James Schoedinger When Americans die from terrost threats from these people wedont lay down terrost acts don't work here except when you have a commie buddist presiident god help the usa13 hours ago via mobile · Like
• Genji Schmeder For our family the war began when our son was mobilized as member of Marine Corps reserve. Happily, he was deployed for the duration stateside supervising ship loadings in southern California. My opinion on the war was still unresolved in March 2003 ...

We want to know: how did the Iraq war impact you and your family? Where were you when you learned the U.S. had invaded Iraq? Respond in the comments section below.

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