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

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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.
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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

Soldiers who die in the field or waiting to get out there work for me, period. I would like to feel the grief and the sadness and the pride all Americans feel or would feel when they return home from defending the Constitution. Death doesn't releas them from their duty nor is it make them suddenly discharged from the military.

Scott of AK 12:38PM March 01, 2009

Having never served in the armed fources I can appreciate the sacrafice made by those who have. If a flag draped coffin helps keep asomeone's memory alive then what's the problem?

Claude S..DiGenova of NJ 8:55AM March 01, 2009

Long overdue. "Freedom is not free". When less that 1% of the population bearing the burden of Military Service our citizens need to see the results of the war and the price that some of our citizens pay for defending our country. The recent HBO Movie "Taking Chance" should be broadcast on all the networks at prime time.

James of CO 4:54AM March 01, 2009

I remember watching a parade in my hometown last summer. Sitting on top of the homemade VFW float were a dozen or so proud Veterans being led by our country's Flag. As they came by I stood proud saluting our flag and cheering for the Vets as they past. What bothered me were the people too busy eating food, gathering candy off the pavement, and preoccupied in petty conversation, to stand or show respect. Teens didn't even flinch as they past. As a veteran myself I think America needs to see the sacrifice of our brave and learn to respect our Heroes. Seeing the truth draped in red, white, and blue as they come home is absolutely needed.

Brian of MN 3:11PM February 28, 2009

The ban on coffin photos was ludicrous. If we are at war, we should know the realities and all of the costs. While most of us sit on our fat backsides suffering from self aggrandizement and tunnel vision, our servicemen, volunteers all, are doing the dirty work of keeping us from caving in to those who seek our total collapse and enslavement. If death occurs while they are doing their duty, their remains should be cherished and honored, not hidden out of sight like some shameful national embarrassment. If I had "bought the farm" during my 29 years as a Naval Aviator and my body recovered, I would have preferred its transfer and last proceedings be open to all who might be interested. I regret that anyone should feel any different.

DerAlte of VA 9:47AM February 28, 2009

The ban on coffin photos was ludicrous. If we are at war, we should know the realities and all of the costs. While most of us sit on our fat backsides suffering from self aggrandizement and tunnel vision, our servicemen, volunteers all, are doing the dirty work of keeping us from caving in to those who seek our total collapse and enslavement. If death occurs while they are doing their duty, their remains should be cherished and honored, not hidden out of sight like some shameful national embarrassment. If I had "bought the farm" during my 29 years as a Naval Aviator and my body recovered, I would have preferred its transfer and last proceedings be open to all who might be interested. I regret that anyone should feel any different.

DerAlte of VA 9:47AM February 28, 2009

I agree any photos should be published only with the express permission of the families involved; but apart from that I believe it is important to witness our loss as a society of each of these loved and valued soldiers, an important part of our American family and certainly important to their own families and friends. When we don't see the images and only see the lists of names, it is too easy to push those losses and those faceless names to the far recesses of our minds. We all need to come to grips with the true cost in precious lives of waging war. If we could see all the caskets lined up row after row, it would certainly make an impact upon us.

phoenician lady of AZ 1:31AM February 28, 2009