I think these lines of poetry are apropos for the

daily reporting of the increasing number of soldiers KIA in

Iraq.

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save

one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they

can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them,

though you may or may not have always. Take what they have

taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in

that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war

insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes

you left behind."

(Maj. Michael D. O'Donnell, 1 Jan 1970, Dak To, Vietnam)

Malin