Readers Recall: Iraq War Affected Family, Friends

As the 10-year anniversary of the start of the Iraq War passes this week, Half Moon Bay 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. The war would also claim more than 112,000 civilians, according to Iraqbodycount.org.

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.

On Facebook, Lyn Muth says she remembers feeling "disgusted and disappointed" when the Iraq War started 10 years ago. Jack Sutton questions "war crimes with no punishment, why?"

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.

Keep up with local news — follow Patch

Sign up for Half Moon Bay Patch’s daily newsletter
"Like” us on Facebook
"Follow” us on Twitter

Want to share your opinions with the communities of the Coastside? Start your own blog here.