----- Original Message ----- From: debra argel
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 6:38 PM
Subject: FW: Majority of Military Families Do Not Want Dover Media Ban Overturned
Hi All,
Would you please take a moment to read the attached message and respond. My personal response was sent. Most of us don't go to Dover and don't have a choice in the matter. The captions I have seen attached to these photos usually read, "The Cost of War." If they must be taken, shouldn't they read, "The Cost of Freedom?" Why not remember who they were in life?
Thanks, Deb
Debbie Argel-Bastian, Proud mom of Capt. Derek Argel
For the children of fallen Special Ops Warriors:
www.firstgiving.com/DebbieArgel
From:
info@familiesunitedmission.com
To:
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:49:30 -0600
Subject: Majority of Military Families Do Not Want Dover Media Ban Overturned
Dear Families United Members and Supporters,
On Friday, Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission distributed an e-newsletter asking you to send in your opinion on President Obama’s announcement to review overturning the 18-year ban on publishing photos of flag-draped transfer cases at Dover Air Force base. Hundreds of you wrote in to inform us on your position and we want to thank you for taking the time to share your story.
Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission represents over 60,000 military families, including Blue and Gold Star Families and veterans.
According to the respondents:
• 64% believe that the policy should not be changed;
• 21% feel if the ban is overturned then the families of the fallen should determine if the media is allowed access on a case by case basis;
• 12% indicated a desire to overturn the policy and allow all flag-draped caskets to be photographed.
Families United does not support overturning the current ban, but if the Obama Administration is demanding a change then we strongly believe that the decision to permit media at Dover AFB should be, at the very least, left to the family members of the fallen hero. Over the past few days we have heard from hundreds of Gold and Blue Star families and veterans who have a wide range of feelings on this issue. Some families view the presence of media and photographers as a way to celebrate the life of their hero, while many others question the motives behind media access or understandably want to keep that solemn moment private.