AP- WASHINGTON - Families of America’s war dead will be allowed to decide if news organizations can photograph the homecomings of their loved ones, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.

Gates said he decided to allow media photos of flag-draped caskets at Dover Air Force Base, Del., if the families agree. A working group will come up with details and logistics.
The new policy reverses a ban put in place in 1991 by then President George H.W. Bush. Some critics contended the government was trying to hide the human cost of war.

I am glad that families now have a choice. However, I believe photographing homecomings should be mandatory. Why, you ask? Simple. Our war dead deserve to be honored and remembered. EVERYONE OF THEM. Many Americans have an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. They need to be reminded daily of the sacrifice being made by our military personnel.

Some will opine that this politicizes the war. EXACTLY! War is politics and bad politics got us into the current quagmire! War is a choice of LAST resort. It is time to bring ALL of our troops home.