Another "grim" milestone, but one you may have missed

Every time the U.S. death toll in Iraq has reached a certain number - 500, 1000, 2000 - the media has breathlessly reported the event, always using the descriptor "grim milestone" when reporting the death toll (by the way, as of today, it stands at 2,673). I just noticed that another "grim milestone" has been reached that has barely gotten any press at all, but it should. Over 20,000 American soldiers have now been wounded in action during the over three years that this war has taken place. The official number as of today is 20,113. People often get so fixated on the death toll, that they sometimes forget the smaller deaths that take place. Think of a soldier who, instead of losing his life, loses a limb or his eyesight instead. He is still alive, but his life will never be the same.

I realize that a vast number of those wounded returned to duty within 72 hours, but thousands of others were hurt badly enough that they were either sent to stateside duty or were separated from the service on a disability discharge. Let us not forget those American soldiers who have come home alive, but have nevertheless left their blood - and sometimes more - upon the field of battle.

Good Day to You, Sir