Ban of press coverage of military coffins reversed
In 1991, the administration of President George H. Bush banned news organizations from photographing the return of flag-draped coffins from the field of battle. Both Presidents Clinton and Bush 43 kept the ban in effect. Many felt it was the administrations’ way of avoiding more criticism from people opposing war of any kind.
Today, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that the ban will be reversed should the families of the fallen agree. At a Pentagon news conference, Gates said, “We should not presume to make the decision for the families. We should actually let them make it.”
One of the more poignant statements on the proposed reversal came from Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
“All too often, the sacrifices of our military are hidden from view. The sight of flag-draped coffins is, and should be, a sobering reminder to all Americans of the ultimate sacrifice our troops have made and the high price of our freedom.”
Bravo.
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