The Royal British Legion (RBL), the UK's leading military charity, has announced a national event scheduled for May 22nd to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the end of the Iraq War. This Service of Remembrance, to be held at the National Memorial Arboretum, aims to honor the memory of those who fought and sacrificed their lives during the conflict that started in 2003 with the goal of toppling Saddam Hussein. The ramifications of the war, which resulted in significant loss and trauma among British forces, are still felt by veterans and their families today.

Veterans like Simon Brown, who suffered life-altering injuries while serving in Iraq, emphasize the importance of recognition and remembrance for both the living and the fallen. He expressed a spirit of resilience among survivors, declaring that despite their struggles, they continue to persevere. The event is intended to create a space for veterans, families, and the bereaved to come together, reflect on their experiences, and honor the 179 British service members who lost their lives in Iraq, as well as the thousands more who were injured during the conflict.

This initiative by the RBL illustrates a growing recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel and highlights the ongoing impact of war on lives long after the cessation of conflict. The remembrance event serves not only as a tribute to those who served but also as an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by veterans in integrating back into civilian life, thus fostering a conversation about support, healing, and national gratitude towards service members and their families.