Photos of the fallen

GalvestonDuck · #1 Postby **GalvestonDuck** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 3:22 pm

IMO, the Pentagon's policy on showing "human remains" isn't quite clear to me. It's not like they showed us actual soldiers' bodies or body bags or sheet-draped gurneys. It's my understanding that the woman who took the photographs did so in order that the families could see the respect and honor that their loved ones were receiving.

I don't think the media should necessarily go out of their way to present these images to us. But if they are shown, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices being made in the name of freedom. And just how does showing a flag-draped coffin show any kind of disrespect or lack of sensitivity to the families? We saw JFK's casket. We saw Diana's casket. We see funerals presented on the news all the time.

I didn't even know they existed until the news came out about all the controversy that arose when one newspaper and a website posted the images. Now it seems like a heck of a lot more of us are seeing them. Did it do much good for the Pentagon to object?

timNms · #2 Postby **timNms** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 3:42 pm

I agree with you, Duck. I don't see anything wrong in showing the flag drapped coffins. I think it reminds us of the sacrifice that those people have made for our freedom. What I have a problem with is the crap that al jaterrorist network is famous for showing.

Guest · #3 Postby **Guest** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:14 pm

I think if the families don't want it televised, then the media should respect their privacy. The media is overabundant and everywhere. They just need to back off.
...Jennifer...

chadtm80 · #4 Postby **chadtm80** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:16 pm

mrschad wrote:I think if the families don't want it televised, then the media should respect their privacy. The media is overabundant and everywhere. They just need to back off.
...Jennifer...

agree 110 %

mf_dolphin · #5 Postby **mf_dolphin** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 7:09 pm

I have mixed feelings. One one hand these soldiers deserved to be honored by the entire country for their sacrifice. Seeing them come home for the final time should be a reminder to all of us of just how much they gave. On the other hand, the media got out of reporting the news many years ago and into creating the news IMO. They inject their own political views instead of reporting events. The best of both worlds would be for them to be shown with no comentary allowed :-)

Since that won't happen I voted to show them. The need to show our respect outweighs the biased media I think. JMHO

#6 Postby **janswizard** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 5:21 am

I remember during Vietnam watching the flag draped coffins being unloaded off of transport planes for their final journey home. It was a reminder of the sacrifice these soldiers made for our country. I have been too busy to watch much television the last week or so and I haven't seen any of the recent footage. Are names of the deceased clearly marked for everyone to see in these pictures? If so, then I would agree that this is an infringement on the families. If not, then I would think it's just another reminder of a sacrifice.

JQ Public · #7 Postby **JQ Public** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 1:21 pm

I remember always seeing the coffins being loaded on the planes in all other war campaigns. This one is different b/c it is a controversial war and they are shielding the public from the fact that there are soldiers dying. I mean what makes people support the war...
1. seeing flag draped coffins w/ crying wives and family members
2. not seeing or hearing virtually anyting from the administration about the deaths

#8 Postby **Stephanie** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 4:30 pm

I must admit I did look when they had them in the paper and on the news, but I agree with Jennifer, if the families don't want them seen, then I think that we should respect their privacy.

David · #9 Postby **David** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 10:06 pm

They should be shown. I hate that we went to war, but i'm proud of the president, and i'm proud to be an American. My dad gets shipped somewhere for a year on 16 May.... and by gosh if he dies I hope everyone will see him and say "Thank you" because he served for the country to keep you and your families the same rights he had and I will have.

petal*pusher · #10 Postby **petal*pusher** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 4:08 pm

Flag-draped coffins are an unfortunate reality of war.

It is my understanding that the person who took this photo meant only for us to realize the absolute respect given to those who have lost their lives. Those coffins, each very carefully draped with our flag.....exactly the same measurement of fabric on each side......then lined up in perfect rows WAS difficult to see.....but a needed reminder at the extreme sacrifice our soldiers are willing to make for all of us.

To me....my respect increased after seeing this dramatic photo.......and also my heart wept for the friends and families left behind........pam

Cumulonimbus · #11 Postby **Cumulonimbus** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 10:42 pm

All I can say about this is: Vietnam all over again-What a shame! Those who DO NOT learn from history are doomed to repeat it and here we are!! In my opinion we need to take care of our OWN first! But I guess people don't mind paying 2 or 3 or 4 dollars a gallon in gas no matter the cost. In my opinion, and I KNOW I am in the minority on this board as I am NOT from the east, central or southern US is that we need a change in Washington DC, a BIG change- and it isn't GW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest · #12 Postby **Guest** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 11:23 pm

Cumulonimbus wrote:All I can say about this is: Vietnam all over again-What a shame! Those who DO NOT learn from history are doomed to repeat it and here we are!! In my opinion we need to take care of our OWN first! But I guess people don't mind paying 2 or 3 or 4 dollars a gallon in gas no matter the cost. In my opinion, and I KNOW I am in the minority on this board as I am NOT from the east, central or southern US is that we need a change in Washington DC, a BIG change- and it isn't GW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I surely hope it isnt mr flip flop himself Kerry? I dont get where you or anyone else can relate this to Vietnam. I do happen to like feeling safe and as well a rebounding economy such as we have with Bush. Cant for the life of me see that happening with mr flip flop or anyone else for that matter at this point.

And btw i think it should be up to the families if they want thier loved ones broadcasted all over the news.

southerngale · #13 Postby **southerngale** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 12:05 am

Cumulonimbus wrote:All I can say about this is: Vietnam all over again-What a shame! Those who DO NOT learn from history are doomed to repeat it and here we are!! In my opinion we need to take care of our OWN first! But I guess people don't mind paying 2 or 3 or 4 dollars a gallon in gas no matter the cost. In my opinion, and I KNOW I am in the minority on this board as I am NOT from the east, central or southern US is that we need a change in Washington DC, a BIG change- and it isn't GW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your location makes no difference. And we are taking care of our own. We're defending this country from terrorism. If you don't care about fighting terrorism and the security of our nation, then you're right, you need a change in Washington D.C. because this President will protect Americans before anything else.

By the way, exactly how is this Vietnam all over again? :roll:

Photos of the fallen

Do you think the media should show photos of the fallen heroes' flag-draped coffins?

Photos of the fallen

Who is online