Remembering the US invasion of Panama

December 20th is a "Day of National Reflection" in Panama, as the country remembers the 1989 invasion lead by the United States.

On this day in 1989, troops from the United States entered Panama with the goal of taking down General Manuel Noriega. 

At the time, George H W Bush was the president of the United States. He said in a statement to the country that he had ordered military forces to Panama to "protect the lives of American citizens" and bring Noriega "to justice".

The US called the invasion, operation Just Cause. 

Today, Panama remembers those who lost their lives in the invasion by flying flags  at half mass on public and private buildings.