Memorial Day, a Day to Remember Victims of Iraq War

^{Marines Commemorate Memorial Day
(Tikrit, Iraq, 2004, courtesy U.S. Army)}

Memorial Day originally honored soldiers who died in the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to commemorate those who have died fighting in any American war. As of this Memorial Day, at least 3,451 American military troops have died in the Iraq War. It is estimated that between 64,351 and 70,491 Iraqi civilians also have died as a consequence of the war, from military action, insurgent and terrorist attacks and criminal activity resulting from the breakdown in law and order.

Despite these sobering numbers, and a precipitous escalation in the militant extremism the war was supposed to resolve, President Bush has seen it fitting to issue the conventional proclamation declaring Memorial Day "as a day of prayer for permanent peace."

Also see: Memorial Day, Day of Remembrance (U.S. Military) | Iraq War Results and Statistics as of May 16, 2007 (Liberal Politics) | Congress Passes "No-deadlines" Iraq War Funding Bill (U.S. Gov Info) | Iraq War Justifications