More than eight-and-a-half years after its start, the United States formally ended its military operations in Iraq today.

At West Point, soldiers say they are happy to be returning home after going months without seeing any family. Veterans of the war say the day is also very emotional, as they remember the 4,500 American soldiers killed during the war.

More than 4,000 soldiers remain in Iraq, but will be returning home in the coming days.

A ceremony was held in Baghdad to commemorate the end of the war.

Panetta formally shuts down US war in Iraq