Site search
sponsored by
News
For the first time in 18 years, the media on Sunday witnessed the return of a soldier killed overseas.
Thirty-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Myers of Hopewell, Va., who was killed on April 4 in Afghanistan, was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery last year in recognition of his efforts in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On Sunday, the decorated war hero, killed in action, came home, and we applaud the Pentagon for allowing the cameras to be there to witness the return.
It had been 18 years since the media was at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to witness the return of a soldier killed in action because of a ban that was put in place by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 during the Persian Gulf War. The reason given at the time was to shield grieving families from the media.
It was a justifiable reason, but we believe an all-out ban went too far.
The emotions of grieving family members should be considered in such situations, which is why we believe the Pentagon’s new policy overturning the ban strikes an appropriate, common-sense balance.
The new Pentagon policy gives families a choice of whether to admit the press to ceremonies at the Dover Air Force Base.
If the family objects, cameras aren’t allowed. If they agree, cameras are allowed.
Seeing the coffins holding the bodies of heroes being returned to their homeland is an important reminder of the ultimate cost of war, and what those willing to serve give.
If a resident of this community gives his or her life for this country, as many have, and the family agrees that the media should be allowed, it’s good the world will have an opportunity to witness the hero’s return home.
Thirty-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Myers of Hopewell, Va., who was killed on April 4 in Afghanistan, was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery last year in recognition of his efforts in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On Sunday, the decorated war hero, killed in action, came home, and we applaud the Pentagon for allowing the cameras to be there to witness the return.
It had been 18 years since the media was at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to witness the return of a soldier killed in action because of a ban that was put in place by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 during the Persian Gulf War. The reason given at the time was to shield grieving families from the media.
It was a justifiable reason, but we believe an all-out ban went too far.
The emotions of grieving family members should be considered in such situations, which is why we believe the Pentagon’s new policy overturning the ban strikes an appropriate, common-sense balance.
The new Pentagon policy gives families a choice of whether to admit the press to ceremonies at the Dover Air Force Base.
If the family objects, cameras aren’t allowed. If they agree, cameras are allowed.
Seeing the coffins holding the bodies of heroes being returned to their homeland is an important reminder of the ultimate cost of war, and what those willing to serve give.
If a resident of this community gives his or her life for this country, as many have, and the family agrees that the media should be allowed, it’s good the world will have an opportunity to witness the hero’s return home.
