Section 1303 - Global War on Terrorism Veterans Day(a) Legislative findings and declarations.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows: (1) America's conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001 and became our country's longest military conflict.(2) Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States demanded that the Taliban regime stop harboring Al Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for the 9/11 attacks, and hand over the Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.(3) President George W. Bush ordered United States Armed Forces to begin "Operation Enduring Freedom" (OEF) to combat terrorism in Afghanistan and confront Al Qaeda.(4) United States Armed Forces first entered Afghanistan and began combat operations on October 7, 2001.(5) On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden was killed during the fighting after President Barack Obama ordered Navy SEALs to raid Osama bin Laden's compound.(6) On December 31, 2014, the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) combat operations in Afghanistan officially ended.(7) Since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, over 830,000 Americans, including 18,000 from this Commonwealth, have served in Afghanistan.(8) More than 2,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, including 98 from this Commonwealth, were killed in action in Afghanistan since combat began.(9) More than 19,000 members of the United States Armed Forces were wounded in service to their country during Operation Enduring Freedom.(10) When Operation Enduring Freedom ended, the United States began a new phase of the campaign, named Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS).(11) United States Armed Forces remain in the country to participate in a coalition mission to train, advise and assist Afghan National Defense and Security Forces and to conduct counterterrorism operations against the remnants of Al Qaeda.(12) During Operation Freedom's Sentinel more than 70 Americans have lost their lives and another 453 have been wounded in action.(13) On March 19, 2003, President George W. Bush announced the beginning of combat operations in Iraq after Saddam Hussein failed to meet the demands of the United States.(14) "Operation Iraqi Freedom" lasted for more than seven years, reducing the influence of insurgents, stopping sectarian violence, assisting in training the Iraq Security Forces and promoting the development of Iraq's constitution and elections.(15) Major United States combat operations ended on September 1, 2010. American troops remained in the country to advise Iraqi Security Forces as part of "Operation New Dawn" until the withdrawal on December 15, 2011.(16) More than 4,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives during "Operation Iraqi Freedom" and "Operation New Dawn," including 197 from this Commonwealth, and more than 32,000 were wounded.(17) With the rise of the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the United States created a new combined joint task force in 2014, dubbed "Operation Inherent Resolve."(18) March 23, 2019, marked the end of ISIS controlling any physical territory IN SYRIA AND IRAQ.(19) United States Armed Forces under "Operation Inherent Resolve" continue to work by, with and through local partners to defeat the final ISIS force and stabilize the region.(20) The fight against ISIS under "Operation Inherent Resolve" has claimed more than 80 American lives, with another 80 wounded in action.(21) United States military personnel have served domestically securing key infrastructure and support overseas operation.(22) Since September 11, 2001, members of the United States military have served on nearly every continent fighting international terrorism.(b) Designation.-- October 7 of each year is designated as " Global War on Terrorism Veterans Day."(c) Proclamation.--The Governor shall issue annually a proclamation encouraging all public schools and educational institutions to observe " Global War on Terrorism Veterans Day" and to conduct exercises recognizing the contributions of all those involved in the Global War on Terrorism and remembering the sacrifices they made for their country. The proclamation may not mandate a public school or educational institution to participate in the observance. Added by P.L. TBD 2021 No. 87, § 1, eff. 11/17/2021.