March 20 marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq

Two decades later, many of those who served in Iraq still vividly remember the role they played during their deployment.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — March 20 marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.

The US military invaded Iraq to end the rule of Saddam Hussein and his use of weapons of mass destruction.

It is something that those who fought in that war will never forget.

Said PFC Steven McClure Jr., US Army “20 years have passed, but the memories will never fade. I mean even with Vietnam vets; you sit and talk with them – the memories will never disappear. They will always be there, no matter how long you have them. I mean, they will never go away. It’s easier to sit and talk to other vets, and I just want to say to the vets, “Hey, there are vets out there, reach out, before something happens, reach out.” We’re here, we’re here to help.”

Two decades later, many of those who served in Iraq still vividly remember the role they played during their deployment.

Retired SFC Mark Simms, West Virginia Army National Guard, said: “My first real experience abroad was in Iraq, and for a young person like me, fresh out of high school, it was a culture shock just to see how different people lived in another country. And of course it was very unstable when we got there. I was part of the initial wave that entered. We ended up going to Kuwait City first, where we trained, and I remember being escorted to Mosul, Iraq – that’s where we actually stayed with the 101st Airborne.”

Both McClure and Simms say they appreciate the resources Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196, a veterans service in Leland, gives them.

They encourage all Veterans of Foreign Wars to contact their local VFW and get involved in supporting those who have served our country.