Media coverage ban on fallen soldiers lifted

[kval07]

Just wondering about opinions of this, especially from military family members or other soldiers out there. From my understanding, the family isn't asked if they want media involvement, but can request it and it will be set up for them. I was very much against the ban on media coverage, so I am happy with the ban being lifted. My family knows that should I be redeployed and the worst case scenario comes true, I would want media coverage. I feel that the financial cost isn't the only cost people should be made aware of when it comes to war.

Would you permit media coverage for your husband, wife, son, daughter, etc as they arrive at Dover Air Force Base, transfer case draped with an American flag? Why or why not?

[lalanpnut]

I am against this, DH was deployed to Iraq and came home last January. If something had happened to him I would want to find out firsthand, and would definitely want to tell our family/friends personally (or, have someone tell them for me). Honestly, how would you feel if you were watching the news one night and the flag-draped casket had your relative's name under it? I would hate to find out that way. But, that's just me!

[kval07]

I am against this, DH was deployed to Iraq and came home last January. If something had happened to him I would want to find out firsthand, and would definitely want to tell our family/friends personally (or, have someone tell them for me). Honestly, how would you feel if you were watching the news one night and the flag-draped casket had your relative's name under it? I would hate to find out that way. But, that's just me!

It isn't meant as a way for your friends/family to find out. You would have the time to tell people. You could do it because you want people to know of your service member's sacrifice, or you could have a video done for people unable to travel to Dover AFB. You could have media coverage for a variety of reasons, but it is ONLY done with your permission. You have to request it.

[derketchup]

As a former soldier, I would want my family to be able to choose if they wanted the media involved or not.

Soldiers do not have freedom of speech. Their families should be allowed to exercise their right, as long as they are not leaking classified information.

[kval07]

bump

[Jesseroo]

The reason the ban was put into place was so people wouldn't see these funerals on tv and get a bad opinion about the war going on. The ban being lifted doesn't automatically say that media can be at these funerals. It means that the families can decide if they want it.

The ban restricted freedom of press, and in my opinion should have never been passed. So this is a good step in my eyes.

[beth119]

I think that as long as the family ok's it, then it is fine.

[Virusfdu]

I think it is a good thing. Especially as the child of a sub sailor press at the end may be the only press they would get to tell people of their sacrifices. And thats assuming they had anything to send home in a box.

[floridamom1]

I think the families should decide. And at last count, since the ban was lifted, 14 of 19 families said yes. Those 14 had that right, just as the 5 who said no also had the right. It was their choice, as it should be.

[sati769leigh]

Just wondering about opinions of this, especially from military family members or other soldiers out there. From my understanding, the family isn't asked if they want media involvement, but can request it and it will be set up for them. I was very much against the ban on media coverage, so I am happy with the ban being lifted. My family knows that should I be redeployed and the worst case scenario comes true, I would want media coverage. I feel that the financial cost isn't the only cost people should be made aware of when it comes to war.

Would you permit media coverage for your husband, wife, son, daughter, etc as they arrive at Dover Air Force Base, transfer case draped with an American flag? Why or why not?

I would allow it. simply because i dont think my husband, son, family etc would exactly care anymore. but their death could have an impact on many people viewing it. make them realize that war is not some concept in the newspaper or chat groups but is REAL. i dont think many people go about their daily lives EVER thinking about the total sacrifices made by our military personel!!