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!"

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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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