U.S. Army soldiers clear houses in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 15, 2004.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein. More than 4,500 American heroes lost their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom, with over 32,000 U.S. troops injured, according to icasualties.org. To this day, countless Iraq veterans also suffer from the invisible wounds of war.

To each and every American warrior who volunteered to put on our nation’s uniform and fight in Iraq: our nation remembers and respects you. Thank you for your bravery and selfless service.

Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is the author of the just-released Be Bold and co-author of Three Wise Men, Brothers Forever, 8 Seconds of Courage and Fire in My Eyes. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo and The Stream at @Streamdotorg.