Remembering the Liberation of Kuwait City February 26, 1991

On February 26, 1991, the tide of the Gulf War turned in a way many of us will never forget. That was the day coalition forces entered Kuwait City and liberated it from Iraqi occupation. It wasn’t just the culmination of Operation Desert Storm, it was a powerful moment of relief, purpose, and pride.

The liberation of Kuwait City was a strategic milestone in the Gulf War. It meant the end of something brutal and the beginning of something better. And for veterans of that war, it’s a moment that often goes unspoken- but never goes unfelt.

I was there. I was part of Task Force Ripper, and I remember rolling into Kuwait City and seeing people line the streets, waving both Kuwaiti and American flags. That image is burned into my memory – not just because of the joy on their faces, but because it reminded me exactly why we were there. After months of buildup, movement, and uncertainty, this was the mission in action. And for the first time in days, there was celebration in the air.

It’s easy, especially now, to look back at major military operations and fixate on the things that didn’t go as planned. But I believe we also need to remember the big wins. We served to make a difference, and on that day in Kuwait City, we did. We gave people their land and homes back. And if you ever start to wonder whether it was worth it, remember that moment. Remember the flags, the cheers, and the tears of joy. That’s why we serve.

For younger generations who may only know about the Gulf War from textbooks or movies, I encourage you to dig deeper. Talk to a veteran. Read the stories. There are thousands of voices from that era, voices that deserve to be heard.

One of those voices is Travis Burns. He served in the same conflict and wrote a powerful book called Uncomfortably Numb about his experience and the long road of reflection that followed. If you want to understand what this war felt like, not just tactically, but emotionally, read it.

The liberation of Kuwait City was one of those rare moments in war when the mission was clear, the impact was immediate, and the outcome was undeniable. For those of us who were there, it was a reminder that service can lead to something tangible, something good, something lasting. We saw freedom returned to a nation, hope restored to a people, and purpose renewed in ourselves. That memory is more than history, it’s a reason to keep serving, keep remembering, and keep telling the stories that matter.