Statement regarding the one-year anniversary of the end of the war in Afghanistan

Today, the one-year anniversary of the end of the war in Afghanistan, we honor all those who bore the burden of America's longest war.

That burden was carried by more than 775,000 American troops who deployed to fight in Afghanistan over the course of two decades. 2,461 were killed in that war. More than 20,000 were injured.

The burden was also shared by the Families of these troops, who sacrificed through each deployment.

Our Gold Star Family members, who survive those who never came home, are held in a special place in our hearts. We owe a solemn obligation to the Moms and Dads, sons and daughters, who carry the memory of our Fallen.

The burden of the war in Afghanistan, However, went beyond Americans.

More than 3,500 troops from non-U.S. NATO countries were killed in Afghanistan. We honor them today as well.

Countless Afghans risked their lives and those of their Families to serve alongside us, translating, advising, securing, and providing the kind of assistance our mission required.

Our gratitude to those who served in Afghanistan lives on beyond this anniversary.

CENTCOM will never forget their sacrifice.