As the names of soldiers killed in the conflict in the Middle East were read Wednesday, students held up protest signs against the war. (Christina Parrish)

The SMU community was invited to gather at the Flagpole for yesterday’s reading of the names of the dead killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Not only were the names of the American soldiers read, but all non-combatants in Iraq and Afghanistan were also remembered. This is the third time the community has gathered to read the names of the dead.

The first reading was in Perkins Chapel when the death toll in the conflicts reached 1,000. The second reading of names occurred when the death toll reached 2,000. Yesterday recognize the death toll reaching 3,000 this past December.

Numerous members of the SMU community gathered around the Flagpole to pay their respects to the fallen in the memorial.

“I think it is wonderful we are paying respect to all the men and women in the service for their time, dedication and lives,” said sophomore Brittany Edmonston.

“They have sacrificed themselves for our country and our well-being, and that is most definitely a sacrifice worth honoring. Their families also need to remain in our prayers,” she added.

More than 25 students, faculty and staff volunteered to read the honored names into four microphones. Their voices sounded in unison as the 3,000 names were read.

SMU faculty member Michael Tumeo felt honored to read the names of those who had given their lives in the service.

“I cannot serve my county as a soldier, but I feel as if this is an opportunity to give something back to those who have served by doing my small part,” Tumeo said.

Junior Julie Ross supported the honoring of the names of the fallen as she voiced her opposition to the war in the Middle East.

She held signs reading “War is not the answer,” and “For what noble cause?” as the names of the dead were honored.

“It is important to support our troops by ensuring that they are not sent to battle for an unjust cause,” Ross said.

“I am here to honor those who have given their lives, but I think that we, as Americans, should do all we can to end this war as soon as possible.”

William M. Finnin, Chaplain and Minister to the University and leader of the memorial reading, emphasized the importance of honoring these men and women.

“This is one way we have of saying to the families of the fallen that through this memorial we will never forget the sacrifice of their daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.”

The names of the dead can be read in their entirety on the continuously updated website www.iraqbodycount.org