Kerry Says 1,000 Dead Marks 'tragic Milestone' In Iraq

CINCINNATI, Ohio, Sept 7 (AFP) - US Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Tuesday the United States had reached "a tragic milestone" in Iraq after the US military death toll hit 1,000 people.
"Today marks a tragic milestone in the war in Iraq," Kerry said upon his arrival here. "More than 1,000 of America's sons and daughters have now given their lives, on behalf of their country, on behalf of freedom, the war on terror."
The death toll for US soldiers in Iraq hit the 1,000 mark Tuesday.
The Pentagon's official toll as of Tuesday morning stood at 990 dead since the US invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2001. But those numbers lagged behind unofficial tolls.
"The sacrifice we feel on a very personal level," Kerry said. "And our thoughts and our prayers are with the families."
He said Americans will always remember their fallen heroes and will fight for their cause.
"Their sacrifice will not be in vain," Kerry said. "We are committed to making the right decisions in Iraq and the right decisions for them here in home."