This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah, a pivotal urban conflict involving over 12,000 American, British, and Iraqi troops. The battle, which took place just west of Baghdad, was a significant moment in the Iraq War, as Fallujah had become a stronghold for insurgents.

In a recent collaboration with The War Horse, journalist Nick Schifrin revisited the memories of Marines who fought in this intense battle. Corporal Mike Ergo, who was part of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, recounted the harrowing experience of clearing the city street by street, emphasizing the dangers they faced without overwhelming air support. The mission was to capture the mayor's compound while minimizing destruction to the city, reflecting an early strategy of winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

Ergo described the chaos of the battle, recalling moments of close calls with enemy fire and the physical toll it took on him and his comrades. He noted the psychological impact of feeling expendable, a sentiment shared among his fellow Marines. The memories of the battle remain vivid for those who served, as evidenced by the new exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia, which recreates the streets of Fallujah.

Aaron Cunningham, the commander of Alpha Company, characterized the battle as \"brutal,\" highlighting the intensity and scale of the conflict. The sacrifices made by the Marines are memorialized in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, a somber reminder of the lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the anniversary is observed, the stories of those who fought continue to resonate, underscoring the enduring impact of the battle on both veterans and the broader narrative of the Iraq War.