U.S. soldiers pray in a circle before leaving Camp Victory for their patrol mission on the streets of Baghdad. REUTERS/Nikola Solic (IRAQ)

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Seven years ago today I was thirteen years old, and sitting on the living room floor watching the news. I remember so clearly seeing the images of the first explosions in Baghdad, Iraq – that night-vision camera footage of bombs exploding in the night sky. It was an image (like the invasion in Kabul, Afghanistan) I never thought I’d see, and a moment that would change the course of history for so many.

Tonight I dedicate my post to all of our Iraq war veterans – those at home, and those who didn’t make it home – and all of the war correspondents who risked their lives for so many years to report what mattered most. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. God Bless our troops and all the people who’ve gone to Iraq to work to bring them peace.

My favorite war correspondent, Richard Engel (NBC News), who spent five years reporting in Iraq during it’s most active years, has written an analysis of the Iraq war where he reminisces of his years reporting there, on this seventh anniversary of the invasion.

In an interview with NBC News’ Richard Engel, U.S. troops discuss their current role in Iraq.