For Alabamians, the war with Iraq came home yesterday with the release of a list of casualties.

On that list was the name of Army Pfc. Howard Johnson, II of Mobile. He was a member of a unit that was ambushed by Iraqi soldiers. He was 21 years old.

With the vast number of military personnel active in the war, it was just a matter of time before casualty lists began including some of our own.

That reality brings into clear focus why it's so important for us to support our troops and to pray for their safety.

There are any number of ways we can show our support. Putting out yellow ribbons or submitting the names and photos of loved ones serving in the military to the Troy Public Library's display are easy ways to show your support.

It could be as simple as displaying an American Flag at your home or business, or saying a prayer each day for our armed services.

Regardless of the method, it's the spirit and and thought that truly counts.

Showing our solidarity for the troops brings us closer together as a community, and a step farther away from the tyranny they fight.