AP: 'Most families allow media to cover fallen soldiers'

[Jackeens]

By RANDALL CHASE, Associated Press Writer Randall Chase, Associated Press Writer – Mon Apr 27, 7:07 am ET

DOVER, Del. – In the weeks since the Pentagon ended an 18-year ban on media coverage of fallen soldiers returning to the U.S., most families given the option have allowed reporters and photographers to witness the solemn ceremonies that mark the arrival of flag-draped transfer cases.

Critics had warned that military families needed privacy and peace activists might exploit the images, but so far the coverage has not caused problems.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Myers of Hopewell, Va., who died April 4 in Afghanistan, was the first combat casualty whose return to American soil was witnessed by the media. He was to be buried with full military honors Monday afternoon at Arlington National Cemetery.

The rest of the article here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090427/ap_on_re_us/us_casualty_returns;_ylt=AoT9JV37iiyp6n8mZSW0Xiqs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTJsZXQyZG5kBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwNDI3L3VzX2Nhc3VhbHR5X3JldHVybnMEY3BvcwM3BHBvcwMxNwRzZWMDe

[w4rma]

1. Because the ban wasn't for the soldiers' benefit. (nt)

[JayMusgrove]

3. You got that right. It was to protect Bush/Cheney.

[Hissyspit]

2. Because the ban was NEVER for the families' benefit. nt

[democrattotheend]

4. The families should have the option

If families don't want their soldier's body shown on TV they should have the right to prevent it, but I am glad the administration has lifted the blanket ban.

[Cha]

5. I would certainly want the

world to know about my loved one's sacrifice instead of being snuck back into the country in the dead of night.