The base to one of two Ceremonial Arches, in the form of hands holding crossing swords, that stands at either end of the Baghdad Parade Grounds, located in Baghdad, Iraq. This site was built to honor Iraqs victory over Iran in the eight-year war. The helmets at the arches' base are from Iranian Soldiers, killed during the battle. Photograph taken during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

Iraq War aka Operation IRAQI FREEDOM was the 2003 invasion of Iraq, led by U.S. Army General Tommy Franks, under the code-name "Operation Iraqi Freedom". 248,000 soldiers from the United States, 45,000 British soldiers, 2,000 Australian soldiers and 194 Polish soldiers from Special Forces unit GROM sent to Kuwait for the invasion. The invasion force was also supported by Iraqi Kurdish militia troops, estimated to number upwards of 70,000.