Update -- I encourage readers to view the comment posted below by Bill, who writes from his active duty experience. His comments reflect the feelings of many in society, and I will attempt to address them later. Thanks for weighing in, Bill.

Reuters has put together a powerful narrative, "Bearing Witness: Five years of the Iraq war," about the role of its journalists in trying to bring this story to the world. The presentation includes a compelling photo timeline and video commentary from three journalists: Samia Nakhoul, Goran Tomasevic and Dean Yates, who pays tribute to the seven Reuters staff members who have been killed in Iraq since 2003.

There is also a 5-minute video that includes many disturbing images, but gives a sense of how the war has been witnessed on the ground. Andrew Marshall, Baghdad bureau chief from 2003 to 2005, says:

Iraq has been the most dangerous war in history for journalists. I think it shows the value of what we're doing.

Covering the news in hostile places is a worthwhile thing. It can bring about change and inform the world. And it is worth us risking our lives.

Alastair MacDonald, Baghdad bureau chief from 2005 to 2007, says:

I think the experience of living and working in Baghdad for that time is always going to be with me.

There is a sense of the importance of human life and human relationships that stays with you when you've been in a place where human life is being lost so cheaply.

News coverage of the war's fifth anniversary appropriately focuses on citizens and combatants, but I urge readers to spend a few minutes with the Reuters narrative. It is a reminder of the service of the men and women who bear witness for the rest of us.