Four thousand American soldiers have died fighting in the war in Iraq.

They’re not the only ones who have suffered for our country’s cause.

Hundreds of thousands of families and friends have lost loved ones. Countless numbers of soldiers have returned from war missing limbs. Innumerable civilians in Iraq and in Afghanistan were forced from their homes.

The repercussions of this conflict will be long-lasting and deeply felt. While it’s important to honor and remember the ones who have given their lives, it’s vitally important to help those who are still hurting.

It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war. That’s not the issue.

No matter your opinions or beliefs or political leanings, remember that those who died were real people, with goals and hopes, as well as families and friends who miss them. The refugees forced from their homes feel the same emotions as you. The veterans kept awake with post-traumatic stress still have dreams.

They’re all human.

And it’s only human for us to do what we can to help them – all of them.

Ways to help

• American Friends Service Committee

http://www.afsc.org

• Mercy Corps (refugees)

http://www.mercycorps.org

• Refugees International

http://www.refugeesinternational.org

• American Refugee Committee

http://www.arcrelief.org

• AmeriCares

http://www.americares.org

• Direct Relief International

http://www.directrelief.org

• Operation: Military Kids

http://www.operationmilitarykids.org

• Wounded Warrior Project

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.