Was the Pentagon Right to Lift Military Coffin Photo Ban?

Dignified Transfer

I served in the US Navy for a number of years, and lost 47 shipmates in turret explosion aboard the USS Iowa in April 1989. I know all too well the cost of serving in the military, whether in wartime or peacetime. These American Heroes deserve the utmost respect and honor. If the famalies wish to share such a personal moment with the rest of the country, we should feel honored to do so with them.

military coffins

should see the coffins if it is alright with families. the war in iraq was a lie but the fact that the brave men and woman have given thier lives to protect the usa. they should be honored by seeing them in thier finaly trip home, they are not just a coffins as some say they are ours, our heros, are children, fathers, brothers, sisters,wives, mothers, husbands, friends, etc. they are our heros they belong to all of us, we sheed tears for all that have been lost, injured, and have served. they belong to all of us cause they are fighting for all of us americans

'technically still "on duty" '

While I am fine with letting the return be photographed so long as the families approve, the idea that dead soldiers are still 'technically "on duty" ' makes no sense to me and as a practical matters makes even less sense.

Coffin Photos

Having retired from the Air Force many years ago -- I can 'see' both sides of this argument. Having said that -- I believe this decision should have been made years ago.

Keeping photos of coffins being flown back to America 'off limits' serves only prevent all citizens from realizing the terrible cost of war.

Seeing those photos in print touches my heart for the families and for our nation. Very seldom is a 'family member' at Dover when remains arrive. Let the media take pictures on the planes ... and perhaps in transit to a hanger where the family can be held and the reunion kept private.

Thank God for men and women who continue to serve in the military.