Although the media have neglected to talk about the situation in Iraq for some time, the American death toll continues to rise -- even if more slowly than in previous months. Steven R. Hurst has the story for the AP.

The U.S. military said Tuesday that four U.S. soldiers died in two roadside bombings near the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi and a fifth died in a blast north of Baghdad, pushing the toll of American forces killed in Iraq past 1,900.

Also Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said a suicide car bombing killed four other Americans — a diplomatic security agent and three private security agents — traveling in a convoy Monday in Mosul. The four were attached to the embassy's regional office in the northern city, Iraq's third-largest, said spokesman Peter J. Mitchell.

[...]

Four of the soldiers were killed in two separate bomb attacks Monday during combat operations in Ramadi, a volatile city 70 miles west of Baghdad. The victims were U.S. Army soldiers attached to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

The fifth soldier, from the 18th Military Police Brigade, was killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb 75 miles north of the capital.

While our men and women on the ground in the Gulf Coast continue to amaze us with their ability to make the best out of any situation, let us not forget that there are hundreds of thousands of our young men and women around the world who remain in harm's way to ensure our freedom. Whether or not you agree with the war, we must all be greatful that they continue to be willing to put their lives on the line to serve our country.