Mood Split in Military Town on War Effort

Tuesday June 28, 2005 8:16 AM


AP Photo NCSD601

By ESTES THOMPSON

Associated Press Writer

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) - In the year since President Bush and U.S. allies returned official sovereignty to Iraq, life in the community dominated by one of the Army's largest installations has changed little.

Soldiers from Fort Bragg have continued to march into Iraq. And they continue to die.

In the past year, 99 North Carolina-based soldiers have died in the war, trailing only the toll of 180 from California, according to an Associated Press analysis.

As President Bush plans to come here to make a major, nationally televised policy speech Tuesday night, the mounting casualties and insurgent violence have started to test the public patience for the war, even in a place where signs along the streets boast steadfast support of the troops.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5103532,00.html