Media to view and photograph war dead...

[323ssplt]

News organizations will be allowed to photograph the homecomings of America's war dead under a new Pentagon policy, defense and congressional officials said Thursday.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has decided to allow photos of flag-draped caskets at Dover Air Force Base, Del., if the families of the fallen troops agree, the officials told The Associated Press.

Gates planned to announce his decision later Thursday, they said. The current ban was put in place in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush.

At least two Democratic senators have called on President Barack Obama to let news photographers attend ceremonies at the air base and other military facilities when military remains are returned to the United States. The Dover base is where casualties are brought before they are transferred on to the hometowns of their families.

Gates told reporters earlier this month that he was reviewing the policy and that if the needs of the families could be met, and the privacy concerns could be addressed, he favored honoring fallen troops as much as possible.

Gates said he initially asked for the ban to be reviewed a year ago, and was advised then that family members might feel uncomfortable with opening the ceremonies to media for privacy reasons or that the relatives might feel pressure to attend the services despite financial stresses.

Shortly after Obama took office, Democratic Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey also asked the White House to roll back the 1991 ban.

Over the years, some exceptions to the policy were made, allowing the media to photograph coffins in some cases, until the administration of President George W. Bush and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A leading military families group has said that the policy, enforced without exception during George W. Bush's presidency, should be changed so that survivors of the dead can decide whether photographers can record their return.

If you ask me this is sacrildge........These brave men and women who gave, give or will make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of OUR country, shouldn't be used as "propoganda" by the f'n left liberal media. It's a total discrace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kegger]

I feel that they should be able to be photographed. It makes us remember what they did for our country, and the country they fought in.

Too many people have forgotten that there are still soldiers dying over there, and turn a blind eye to it. They need to be reminded.

[poak]

I've got mixed feelings about this...

On the one hand, I would HATE to see this used as propaganda by the liberal media. On the other hand, I think it may be the wake up call America needs, which this photo illustrates quite well:

[Guest RISC777]

I feel that they should be able to be photographed...

Too many people have forgotten that there are still soldiers dying over there ... They need to be reminded.

I agree with the quoted, and I totally agree with -

A leading military families group has said that the policy ... should be changed so that survivors of the dead can decide whether photographers can record their return.

[Reservoir Dog]

I think it is right policy. Let the family make the decision. However, the families should be prepared for the media to misuse the photographs to satisfy whatever agenda they may have.

[Guest abailey362]

I think it is right policy. Let the family make the decision. However, the families should be prepared for the media to misuse the photographs to satisfy whatever agenda they may have.

i think the first families who agree to this will be taken advantage of and the pictures misused. most of them will be in shock and greiving from the loss and wont even think about someone using this to down their county and their child's choice to serve and protect.