Ohio 6th among states in fallen soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan
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The gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are
graced by U.S. flags each Memorial Day
(Photo/Wikipedia).
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- While West Point cadets listened with rapt attention Tuesday evening to President Barack Obama as he outlined his plan to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan as the key element in his way forward there and in Pakistan, let us not forget that 208 Ohioans have already died serving their country in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and that that number may rise in the months and years to come.
Ohio 6th among states in faces of the fallen
Ohio, still the 7th largest state in the nation, ranks 6th among states in the number of its citizens who have given their life to serve their country in a time of war. Statistics compiled on the faces of the fallen by the Washington Post show California leading all states with 554 deaths, followed by Texas with 463, Florida with 242 and Pennsylvania and New York with 233.
"I do not make this decision lightly," President Obama said in a solemn but determined manner. He said he opposed the war in Iraq precisely because he believes the U.S. "must exercise restraint in the use of military force, and always consider the long-term consequences of our actions."
Among Ohio's many cities, the largest number (13) of the 208 fallen soldiers to date called Cincinnati and Columbus home, while nine hailed from Cleveland and five from Canton.
President Obama said he understands the toll the nation's two wars have taken on America's families. "As President, I have signed a letter of condolence to the family of each American who gives their life in these wars. I have read the letters from the parents and spouses of those who deployed. I visited our courageous wounded warriors at Walter Reed. I've traveled to Dover to meet the flag-draped caskets of 18 Americans returning home to their final resting place. I see firsthand the terrible wages of war. If I did not think that the security of the United States and the safety of the American people were at stake in Afghanistan, I would gladly order every single one of our troops home tomorrow."
No doubt many of the family and friends of Ohio's 208 fallen soldiers would rather have their loved ones back in their homes and hearts than have a letter of condolence from America's Commander in Chief extolling their dedication and courage.
Ohio senators Voinovich and Brown comment on Obama's plan
U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich, R-Ohio, said, “Our strategic plan must include all instruments of American power — humanitarian, diplomatic and military. Military force alone cannot do it all in Afghanistan, but we can help create a secure environment in which the Afghan people can work to achieve a stable government and viable economy.”
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said that while he was encouraged that the president laid out clear goals and a responsible timeline for completion, “I remain skeptical about a commitment of 30,000 of our service men and women. I do not want a long commitment of troops in the region and I am concerned with the dramatic costs to human life and to military families.”
Let us all hope and pray that the way forward is kinder to Ohio servicemen than the way to this day has been.
Follow me on Twitter @ohionewsbureau. Read more stories on Ohio people, politics and government here.
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