By: Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ordered a review of the Pentagon's policy banning media from taking pictures of flag-draped coffins of military dead.
Speaking at a Pentagon news conference today, Gates said he wants to make sure privacy concerns and the needs of families can be met. But if they can, he says "the more honor we can accord these fallen heroes, the better."
At least two Democratic senators have called on President Barack Obama to let news photographers attend ceremonies at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and other military facilities when military remains are returned from overseas. Last night, Obama told reporters he'd review the ban.
Gates says he asked for the ban to be reviewed a year ago and was advised then that family members might feel uncomfortable with opening the ceremonies. One concern was that they would feel pressure to attend despite financial costs. But he says taking another look now "makes all kinds of sense."
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