Iraq War Casualties

Before the day is over, I'd like to take note of another milestone passed. According to Iraq Casualty Count, the number of military deaths in the Iraq has passed the 3700 mark, now standing at 3702 3706, with wounded and medical evacuations at 28,308, and death from self-inflicted wounds at 118.

The estimates of numbers of Iraqi dead varies widely from a high of 600,000 to a low of 76,236.

For the dead:

O God whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servants, and grant them an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. BCP

For the families and friends of the dead and the wounded and their families and friends:

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, pour out your love upon the families and friends of those who have died and upon the wounded and their families and friends. Bring them healing in spirit, mind, and body. Give them strength and courage to go on with their lives, and give them your peace which passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. Amen.

UPDATE: Acccording to The Independent:

American soldiers committed suicide last year at the highest rate in 26 years, and more than a quarter did so while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a military report.

The suicides are occurring at a time when many soldiers are reporting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including repeated flashbacks of combat experiences and other severe reactions.