Iraq War to Be Renamed

The war in Iraq, currently known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, is getting a new name.

As of Sept. 1, the war will be called "Operation New Dawn," ABC News reported Thursday.

The change will coincide with "the change of mission for U.S. forces in Iraq," Defense Secretary Robert Gates wrote in a memo this week to the Commander of Central Command, Gen. David Petraeus.

Sept. 1 is the date the Obama administration has scheduled to begin withdrawing U.S. combat troops.

The name change will send "a strong signal that Operation IRAQI FREEDOM has ended and our forces are operating under a new mission," Gates wrote in the memo, which was also sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen.

"It also presents opportunities to synchronize strategic communication initiatives, reinforce our commitment to honor the Security Agreement, and recognize our evolving relationship with the Government of Iraq," Gates wrote.

Read the memo here.