ColleenS

Soldiers Deaths in the War in Iraq Many Americans have wondered how many soldiers have died in the war in Iraq. The news stations and websites have had much information on what is happening. They try to keep the United States updated with all lives that were sent to Iraq. Each soldier needs to be remembered for the service they served. They risked their lives for their country and they need to be honored. Since the war began on March 19, 2003, a total of 4,060 soldiers were killed. Some of those soldiers were named dead, but some were just reported. A total of 29,395 soldiers were wounded. A lot of those soldiers were killed by roadside bombs set by insurgents. Others were killed while in combat and they were shot by one of the Iraqis. All of the American soldiers know what they are getting into. They made the decision to fight for their country, even to death. Families are proud of their soldier and pray for their safe arrival home. When a soldier dies, members of the armed forces drive to the soldier’s family’s house and tell them the news. They announce the news the most honorable way, to show the importance of that soldier’s life. [|Road side bombs] are one of the main reasons for the deaths in Iraq. Another name for these type bombs are IEDs. The bomb has structure consisting of spare parts. Most explosives that are camouflaged are used for road side bombs. A remote is used to control these explosives. These bombs are put somewhere were there are soft parts to armored vehicles. Sometimes these bombs are connected by chains making the damage increase. It is scary when the soldiers are driving down the road and not expecting to hit a bomb until it happens. At times, insurgents commit suicide by being the ones who drives a car to the area and hitting the remote when ready to detonate the explosive. Another cause is combat in general. The soldier is in an open area and shots are being fired all around them. There are snipers in buildings that are picking off soldiers. But also there are bullets flying around and one of them may hit someone. It is a scary situation the soldier is in, but they are brave and keep on fighting. They know their mission and they won’t stop until it is completed. Helicopter crashes increase the casualty rate in the war in Iraq. Many of the helicopters are called Black Hawks and about seven of them have crashed. Even big and heavily armored helicopters have been down. Some of the incidents were from unfriendly fire. There are still investigations going on with some of the other crashes that cause are yet unknown. The [|funerals] of the soldiers are a magnificent sight to see because of how sacred they perform it. The soldier is sometimes taken into the cemetery on a [| horse drawn caisson], which is a type of British carriage. The music played during the final salute called TAPS, usually played on a trumpet or bugle. When the casket is lowered into the grave a line of soldiers shoot their guns 3 times called an Honor Guard. Then, the American flag on the casket is removed and folded neatly into a triangle. When they give the flag to the soldier’s relative spoke the words as follows “ As a representative of the United States Army, it is my high privilege to present you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation this nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one.”(Military Funeral, paragraph 5, bullet 6) There are some ways Americans try to keep every remembering the war in Iraq and how many lives it has taken. A boy scout thought of the idea of making crosses for each soldier who have died in the war in Iraq. They are now displayed in front of Seton High School, showing everyone who drives by how many lives were taken so far. There have been more deaths, so more crosses are being made. When I saw all of those crosses in the neat rows, my eyes were opened to what was going in this war. It is amazing how one white cross can mean so much to life. I really enjoyed researching about the topic that I chose. It opened my mind to what is actually happening to the soldiers in Iraq. The thought of them risking their lives for the country brings inspiration to my mind. I knew a lot of soldiers have died in Iraq due to the news on the T.V. every day. When I saw how many have actually died really shocked me and made me want to tell my friends. I can’t believe that many lives were lost in the war in Iraq. Though many people think war is a very bad way to solve a problem and feel bad for the soldiers fighting right now in the war. When really the soldiers are proud to get the chance to fight for their country, and help make a difference. It’s an honor to serve their country any way they can. Keep every soldier in your thoughts, because they are fighting for you. Works Cited Page Griffis, Margaret. __Casualties in Iraq__ 2008 6May2008 . "Military funeral." 21 April 2008 May 7, 2008 . Sappenfield, Mark. "Roadside bombs: new push against common threat." 2008 May 7 . Spc. Leah R. Burton / 28th Public Affairs Detachment, "Soldiers Take Oath of Citizenship in Iraq." . "U.S. Casualties in Iraq." (2000-2008) 6May2008 . Picture http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/war-funerals-photo-01.jpg Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZwhfs1EVBs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZwnDVsbgWc