Anniversary of Victory over ISIS in Iraq

Use our holiday API to get the exact date of Anniversary of Victory over ISIS in Iraq in every year.

Introduction to the Anniversary of Victory over ISIS

Anniversary of victory over ISIS is a nationally celebrated holiday in Iraq. This is one of the most important modern events in the history of the nation. It is an annual holiday that reminds everyone of the day on which Iraq proclaimed a military victory over ISIS, also known as Daesh, as it ended a brutal reign of terror over the lives of millions across the region. The day, therefore, signifies triumph over adversity and is a remembrance of the resilience and unity among the Iraqi people.

History and Significance

The conflict with ISIS arguably began defining a new phase in Iraq starting in 2014, when the extremist outfit seized major parts of the country, including Mosul, the second-largest city in Iraq. The group went on to establish a regime of violence and serious human rights abuses. The long arduous struggle to liberate the country involved the Iraqi armed forces, local militias, and the international allies.

Then, on December 9, 2017, Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi announced the defeat of ISIS when all Iraqi territories were declared fully liberated from the group. This is a wonderful achievement coming after three years of the fiercest fighting and the most significant sacrifices of Iraqi military forces and civilians for this. The victory is thus a military one but symbolic of the continuous yearning of Iraq for stability and peace.

When is the Anniversary Celebrated?

Each December 10, the world remembers and commemorates the national victory over Defeating ISIS, the day victory was formally announced and is celebrated as a day of national pride and reflection across Iraq.

Activities to Celebrate

Solemn but jubilant commemorative activities mark the Anniversary of Victory over ISIS. From the north to the south, the whole country organizes events to honor people who have died fighting the extremist group. Here's what this particular day looks like:

• Memorial Services and Parades: Major cities, like Baghdad, hold memorial services and parades attended by government officials and military personnel and civilians. These activities usually include wreath-laying, speeches recognizing efforts made by the armed forces, and silence.

• Public Gatherings: People gather in public spaces where music is played, and performances are watched, making all sorts of cultural events to strengthen national morale and to bring communities together.

• Educational Programs: Schools and organizations conduct seminars or forums involving discussions on the importance of victory. These programs intend to teach young Iraqis not only about the difficulties faced but also about the incredible strength shown by the nation in that moment.

On that day, Iraqi flags hang in streets, homes, and vehicles. Buildings are also illuminated and decorated with banners containing inscriptions of victory and peace as testimonies of national pride.

Which institutions stay open and which ones close?

Part of this holiday is that many institutions and businesses close, allowing a full participation of citizens in the celebrations. However, some essential services and businesses may remain open:

• Institutions Closed: Government offices, schools, and a handful of private sector businesses shut down for the day, enabling employees to partake in the festivities and spend quality time with family.

• Institutions Open: Some retail outlets and emergency services continue to provide operations, while hospitals are open as essential services. On the other hand, museums could be opened to host special exhibits about the victory over ISIS.

Nationalizing a Holiday

The announcement of victory over ISIS initiated much-celebrated nationwide festivities and was by and large viewed as a crucial stage in the nation of Iraq. From this, the formalization as a national holiday was derived. This was accompanied by varying supports of diverse political and civil society groups, reaffirming the level of shared relief and hope the defeat of ISIS represented.

Conclusion

The Anniversary of Victory over ISIS is a day within memory, thanks, and pride for all Iraqis. It is a celebration of victory over one of the darkest pages of the country's recent history, but with it, time for reflecting on the sacrifices and unity that made possible the pathway to peace. As Iraq rebuilds and moves forward, this holiday will remain a constant reminder of the soundness of resilience and solidarity.