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Our Fallen: Local casualties of the Iraq war

With the death of 2,978 service members, the war in Iraq reached a somber milestone. More Americans have now died in Iraq than died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Seventy Americans from Long Island and New York City have died in Iraq. Of the American deaths in Afghanistan, seven were from our region.

These lost soldiers reflect the face of our communities. They were black and Hispanic, white and Asian. They were American born and foreign born. They grew up in city walk-ups and suburban middle class homes. They were high school drop-outs and college graduates, professionals with established careers and others who were just starting out.

Many of these soldiers enlisted in the wrenching aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Some had family members or neighbors killed that day.

They wanted to defend their homes and their country. They wanted to serve.