Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Unhappy Sixth Anniversary of the War in Iraq-4260 killed in action



4,260 military  from the United States have been
 killed in action during the War in Iraq
Also some allies from U.K., Spain, Poland, Australia and Denmark

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"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he (Bush) may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose—and you allow him to make war at pleasure."
~Abraham Lincoln

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U.S. Military Casualties in Iraq 


U.S.  Deaths 
Since war began (3/19/03): 4260 

Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03)  4120 

Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3798 

Since Handover (6/29/04): 3401 

Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 30 

American Wounded Official 
Total Wounded:
31,131 
Latest Fatality Mar. 17, 2009



U.S. Wounded
Daily DoD Casualty Release
320,000 Vets Have Brain Injuries
War Veterans’ Concussions Are Often Overlooked
How Many Servicemembers Were Wounded- official count 31,131
18 Vet Suicides Per Day.

Iraqi Casualties - 99,500 dead

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The following is written by Gary Jacobson (2002) A Retired VietNam Veteran and can be found on his website. He says it all, better than I could, with the following words:

"Regardless of your feelings about the war, it is important that each and every one of us support our troops in these most perilous times...our nation's sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters. To those who have seen duty clear, and who while far and away from home have put themselves into harm's way...
this prayer is dedicated to you. Bless You...and come home soon!!!"


by Gary Jacobson © 2002 FROM VIETNAM PICTURE TOUR

Bless our vigilant warriors
Give strength to overcome to valiant saviors
Our sons and daughters, wherever they may be
On land, sky, or sailing the briny sea...
Safeguard those so lonely, so far from home
In times blackened dark, yet adventuresome
Watch over them, our brothers, sisters, where they go
Guide them wisely in times they do not know.

Glorify our warriors' calling
Whom we sent forth, righteous principles guarding
Calling them far from home to distant sod
To serve ever faithful, our country, our God
Whether crouched in wind-swept desert foxholes sandy
Or poised on high mountain’s steep cranny
Steel them, brave men and women, our nation’s pride select
The world depends on them, riding war’s bestial ogre to protect!

Bless our nation’s children, carried courageous into duty
Bearing above all things, compassion for humanity
Keep the light of hope glowing ever bright
Bless might of swords flashing shining right
Honoring always, father, mother, sister, brother
Watching always the backs of one another...
Their lives for a country they love more than life offering
Bastions of our grand liberty protecting
World peace ever seeking!

May hearts of men be truly won
When battle’s finally done.
Buoy up these soldiers, our children, sad and so alone
Feeling need in guilt for things seen and done to atone
Give thine balm of Gilead to ease their pain
Shield their sanity in combat that drives men insane
Bless them that they may look back with pride, and smile
Though multitudes of strifes and hatreds rile.

Fortify in our warriors' hearts, humanity's essence
Be gentle when war takes away their innocence
May intrinsic life values still be their choice elect
Defend them from traumatic stress defect
So as they return home, reaching, searching, to touch the sky
Give them answer to the question, "why?"
So a grateful nation may say to valiant sons and daughters
by noble duty sent
"Well done, my good and faithful servant!"

*****
 
I have been trying to write this piece all week long and I am filled with so many emotions that I am having difficulty in putting words in place. I cannot believe that six years have actually passed without a resolution to the war in Iraq. There has been a strong corps of people who are against the war who have been protesting by sending letters, making phone calls, picketing, marching, displaying Anti-War picket signs on their lawns, cars, windows, clothing, e-mails, blogs, books, magazines, etc..

 The figures quoted above come from official sources. Most of us feel that the numbers of dead and wounded are much higher. The number of Iraqi's killed is in the many thousands with more than 4.2 million Iraqi refugees displaced.

I have done everything that I can think of to protest this war and today I feel the size of an ant who is watching a bulldozers come right over where I stand and I do not have the resources to stop it.  I know that I have the stamina to stay in this for the long haul, but just for today, I lack
the physical, spiritual and emotional strength to do much more than let you know the number of persons who have been  reported dead during this involvement on the Iraqi soil.

The poem above was written by a War Veteran who is sharing his personal experience of taking part in a war. Does anyone else see the pain there? Does anyone else see the numbers killed in action? Does anyone else give a damn about this?

Tonight I'm taking the evening off  - tomorrow I will be demonstrating again. 
Won't you join me? Even if you have never taken part in any type of social action in your life - wont you join me and others in standing up for justice?
It takes courage to take a stand and I believe that if enough in this nation stood up then the 'powers that be'  just might listen.

As in the words of Margaret Meade " Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

If you have any comments let me know  at: peacesojourner@yahoo.com 

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