Since the start of the war in Iraq in March 2003, tragic stories have emerged almost every day. At times, it is difficult to comprehend the number of lives lost — and the numerous loved ones permanently affected by those losses. Shamefully, Americans are so inundated with these stories that they have practically become no more than a regular part of daily news.

Yesterday's story of a U.S. helicopter crash in northern Iraq reminds us of just how much this war really does hit home.

Schofield Barracks was home to nine of 14 Army soldiers killed when the Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed. It was the deadliest helicopter crash since January 2005, when 27 of 31 killed in a CH-53 Sea Stallion were Kane'ohe Marines.

Yesterday's losses have raised the death toll to at least 3,721 of our U.S. troops.

Each of these lives represent a brother, sister, wife, husband and neighbor.

Each is a fallen hero, whose sacrifice deserves to be remembered and honored every day.