In August 1990, Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Kuwait, occupying the small nation with a force of over 300,000 troops. Soon after, the United States increased military presence in the region and by January 1991, the United States began to lead air strikes.
A coalition of nations joined the United States in the effort to fight Iraqi invasion force, comprised of 750,000 troops and many ships and planes. What began as Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm became a massive effort known as the Persian Gulf War.
The coalition of forces was relentless from air, land and sea. Significant new technologies were put to work in combat for the first time, and the United States arsenal found rapid success, The Iraqi force was overrun quickly. Many of the opposing forces were killed and many others surrendered. By the end of February, President George H. W. Bush called a ceasefire on February 28, 1991.
I was pleased to honor Houston veterans in commemorating the
25th Anniversary of the End of the Persian Gulf War. I want to thank our veterans for all that they do and for their sacrifice to our country.
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