Gates: Media photos of war dead need families' OK
 

Why?
A flag draped coffin is just that. Nobody (from the outside) knows who it is, their rank, or race, or ethnicity, nor their sex. America should see their war dead. Canada has their "Highway of Heroes", Britain and Ireland hold national military ceremonies to honour their's. While we get a long too forgotten standing order not to remind our citizens of what is really happening.
IMHO, every coffin that is delivered should be spoke about, Brian Williams can spend a few moments each evening telling US about that days tally, all the while the National Color Guard should be seen in the background dutifully performing their honored task.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/play...26713&src=news


Can you tell who is who?

Robert is center row, second from bottom. Can you identify him?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/...2fe218ce_o.jpg

Re: Gates: Media photos of war dead need families' OK
 

I agree with you. The policy of "getting permission" to view flag draped caskets is insane, and the perfect thing a government toady would propose, AND it was no doubt proposed by a REMF. I can see it now Felix....." Sergeant, before we display the caskets, do we have the bonafides for casket 17? You know, the signed release in triplicate.. with the watermarked, holographically verified, notary stamp?"

BTW, the Lehrer News Hour on public TV has a silent moment and a roll of names with photographs of the war dead. Not that I think you watch public TV, mind you. Also, it might be considered in bad form (by some people) if Brian Williams did that kind of thing,,,,him being Canadian.

Re: Gates: Media photos of war dead need families' OK
 

As it should be. I think identifying the person should be the family's decision. It's like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Here lie soldiers/sailors/airmen who paid the ultimate price. Name, rank, branch of service, doesn't matter. All gave the ultimate price, and all deserve equal respect.

Did anybody catch Taking Chance on HBO last Saturday? Kevin Bacon portrayed a Lt. Colonel who escorted a Corporal's body home. The trailer looked great, but I don't have HBO.