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Iraq Mission Renamed Operation New Dawn

As of Sept. 1, Operation Iraqi Freedom becomes Operation New Dawn.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in a memo Wednesday that the name change - which is to immediately follow the scheduled withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq - will send a strong signal that American forces have a new mission.

He also said it reinforces the U.S. commitment to honor its security agreement with Iraq and recognizes "our evolving relationship" with the government there.

ABC News first reported on the memo Thursday evening