The Department of Defense identified today the Army soldier killed in action in Afghanistan on Dec. 20, 2002. Sgt. Steven Checo, 22, of New York City, a member of the 504th Infantry, Fort Bragg, N.C., was killed when his unit came under attack from hostile forces. (Source: Defenselink, U.S. Department of Defense.)

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success In nobleness, And ev'ry gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good
With brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

---Katherine Bates Samuel Ward