In 2004, we started an Iraq War Memorial Project in our office building, which was featured in the Skagit Valley Herald.

Click here to read the full article.

With the official cessation of combat operations on August 31, 2010, we stopped updating the memorial, though we continue to recognize the ongoing sacrifices made by service members in our military. There are 4416 memorial figures on our walls, forming a line which extends 646 feet (~197 m) as it winds through our waiting room, the hallways, and exam rooms.

We also wish to acknowledge the sacrifice of the other coalition forces (roughly 300 additional casualties) and the estimated 110,000 Iraqi civilians* who died as a result of this conflict.

*sources: Iraq Family Health Survey, The Associated Press, WikiLeaks

Below are some photos and a brief description of the project and its purpose.

Regarding the Figures Along the Wall :

For some time now, we have been searching for a way to bring to light the true cost of the war in Iraq. Whether you believe our soldiers are fighting for the freedom of the Iraqi people, eliminating a terrorist threat, or that our military is only protecting our own national and corporate interests, this war comes with a terrible price. It is easy to lose sight of the cost when our leaders toss about facts and figures, dollars and casualties, without putting those numbers into perspective. For most people, unless they have personally lost a loved one, the pain of war remains an abstract concept.

This war has brought out many emotions. Some of you undoubtedly feel sadness. Some are fearful or uncertain. Some are confident. Some are ashamed by the conduct of our leadership. We are all proud that our soldiers have responded professionally and bravely to the call for action and have put themselves in harm’s way in the belief that the battle they are fighting is worth dying for.

History will decide if our unilateral involvement in the Middle East was noble or foolish.

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to have visited the Vietnam War Memorial will understand the power of simplicity in symbolism. The smooth black wall reflects the image of the viewer behind the names of those who died. This symbolizes how we keep our memory of the dead among the living. They remain a part of us even after they’re gone. Most Americans now agree that the Vietnam War caused a tragic waste of human life on both sides. A visit to The Wall is a powerful and moving experience.

We have decided that it is important to keep the sacrifices of our military foremost in our community’s eye. Each figure along the top of the wall above you represents one of the American soldiers who has died during this conflict. Each of these young men and women potentially had a full life to live, and their lives were brutally and prematurely ended. Each figure represents an optimistic young adult who had friends, family, and other loved ones. They had dreams and goals. Just like us, they wanted to be happy.

If you knew a young person who died fighting in Iraq, and if you would like to place his or her name on our memorial wall, please pass this information on to our receptionist.

- The Doctors at Burlington Family Practice