I want to thank you for publishing in your Sunday edition the picture of Ali Ismali, the young boy severely injured during the war in Iraq (April 13). The picture is not easy to look at; but it helps us here to understand one of the costs of this war.

In the past month there has been much celebration in the U.S. of “military virtues,” the courage and preparedness of our troops, the precision of our weapons, the resolve and righteousness of our leaders. Now I hope that Americans will demonstrate other virtues that can mark us as a people: generosity of spirit toward all who suffer, compassion for the victims of war, and a willingness to share from the great resources of this country.

After Sept. 11 there was an enormous outpouring of financial and other support for the victims of terror. Now it is time for us to pour out our support on victims like Ali.

Jane Costlow, Auburn