- February 26, 2009
Delaware Congressional Delegation Comments On DAFB Decision
WASHINGTON – The Delaware congressional delegation – Sens. Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman (both D-Del.), and Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) – issued the following statement this afternoon in response to an announcement by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to lift the ban on news organizations photographing the homecomings of U.S. war dead and leaving the decision entirely up to the families:
“Today, Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced a change to the policy that has prohibited all media access to the Post Mortuary at Dover Air Force Base. Under the new policy announced by Secretary Gates, which we support, media will have access if and only if the family of a fallen hero allows it.
“Under this policy, we strongly urge that paramount recognition be given to the wants and needs of the families who have lost loved ones defending our country. We urge all of those involved to be respectful of the wishes of the families of these brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price in defending our nation and our freedom.”