The war in Afghanistan might be coming to a close after nearly 20 years of sacrifices by the brave men and women of the U.S. military.

According to multiple reports, including this one by the Los Angeles Times, President Biden is set to announce this week that all American forces will be out of Afghanistan by September 11, which will mark the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The date is just over four months later than a May 1 withdrawal deadline previously negotiated by the Trump administration. There are currently about 3,500 U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan.

As the fourth commander-in-chief to hold office since the Afghanistan conflict began makes his announcement, I hope readers of The Stream will join me in reflecting on the nearly 2,500 American lives lost over the past two decades in Afghanistan.

I just talked to my friend & @3WiseMenBook co-author Beau Wise, who lost both brothers to the war in Afghanistan. His emotional reaction is a reminder that today's news isn't just about military strategy. It's about real American & Afghan families who've sacrificed & suffered https://t.co/r4IS87LPWF

— Tom Sileo (@TSileo) April 13, 2021

We should also pray for the more than 20,000 veterans who have suffered visible and invisible wounds during America’s longest war. Having had the honor of getting to know countless Afghanistan veterans and Gold Star families over the past 12 years, I can tell you that these heroes are the very best our country has to offer.

The Stream will have more analysis and reaction to President Biden’s Afghanistan decision throughout the week, including my Friday “This Week at War” feature. Until then, may God bless our troops, veterans and military families.

Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is co-author of Three Wise Men, Brothers Forever, 8 Seconds of Courage and Fire in My Eyes. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo and The Stream at @Streamdotorg.