Was the Pentagon Right to Lift Ban on Photographing Military Coffins?

By U.S. News Staff

February 27, 2009 RSS Feed Print

The Pentagon has lifted a ban on photos of service members' coffins as they are repatriated. The media will once again be allowed to take pictures of the ceremonies if families approve it. Critics of the ban argued that photos help the nation honor its fallen soldiers, while proponents of the ban argued that grieving families don't need more tough decisions. Was it the right call?

Previously: Gary Locke, Commerce Secretary?

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War has painfull consequences and it must be seen and felt. We are Americans and when a member of this American family has died, we need be made aware so we can grieve.

We must all feel the effects of war. War must never be made easy to endure. We should not hide the return of those who have paid for our freedoms with their lives.

Show the photos

Arnold of MI 4:10PM March 03, 2009

I am a veteran of WWII, and I agree with all those who favor permitting photos of casualties' coffins. Wars aren't fought with marshmallows, and the public need periodic reminders of that fact. As to the invasion of the privacy of the family -- are we not all "family" with the military dead?

Joseph R. Nacy of DC 8:04AM March 02, 2009

The military who died for my rights and or me to live in a country where freedom prevails, need to be seen by the people for whom they died. The military should report to the American people in real time - not in 'unreal' words only. The military who died for me are not a 'club for the imagination' they are the 'real' thing. Let the people know what this senseless war has wrought.Increasing the number of Americans who see the 'real' thing is what America needs. Let's stop playing 'House' as we did as tiny tots. We have grown up!

Julia Makarem of MI 12:42AM March 02, 2009

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