U.S. military death toll in Iraq passed the 1,000 milestone Tuesday. Firefights with resistance fighters killed eight Americans in the Baghdad area on Tuesday and Wednesday, pushing the toll to 1,003, The AP reported.
The vast majority of U.S. deaths came after President Bush's May 1, 2003 declaration of an end to major combat operations. "Mission Accomplished," read a banner on an aircraft carrier where Bush made the announcement.
Commenting on the death toll, Bush said Wednesday "We appreciate the sacrifice of the men and women who wear the uniform. They're serving in a great cause. We mourn every loss of life. We'll honor their memories by completing the mission." Bush stated that the United States was making good progress in the war against terrorism. "We're still at war," Bush said during a meeting with congressional leaders. "We've got to do everything we can to protect the homeland."
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry published a statement saying the United States joined the friends and families of those who died in mourning their loss. "Today marks a tragic milestone in the war in Iraq. More than one thousand of Americas sons and daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our nation honors their service and joins with their families and loved ones in mourning their loss," Kerry said.
"We must never forget the price they have paid. And we must meet our sacred obligation to all our troops to do all we can to make the right decisions in Iraq so that we can bring them home as soon as possible."
17 U.S. service members were killed in the past four days. A soldier died early Wednesday after a roadside bomb struck a convoy near Balad, northeast of Baghdad. (albawaba.com)
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