U.S. President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday commemorated the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

In a statement, Obama cherished the memories of nearly 4,500 American troops fallen in Iraq, pledging the United States will continue to work with Iraqi partners to advance shared interests in security and peace. He also vowed to ensure that the more than 30,000 Americans wounded in Iraq receive adequate care and benefits.

Earlier in the day, Defense Secretary Hagel also released a statement, saying the Iraqi people will determine the future of Iraq and the United States will continue to support their efforts for a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Ten years ago from March 19, the U.S. and its allied forces began the invasion of Iraq, and eventually toppled the then Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. U.S. forces withdrew from the country in 2011.

Americans initially supported the war. Most polls, however, show a majority of Americans now view the war as a mistake.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2013)