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February 27, 2009

Pentagon Lifts Media Ban on Soldiers’ Remains
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The Pentagon has announced it’s easing a media ban on the coffins of
soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Robert Gates
says the soldiers’ family members will now be able to decide whether the
coffins can be photographed.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates: “If the family of one of the fallen says
that they do not want media coverage of the return of the dignified
transfer process, then that will be the decision. There will be no media
coverage. If they say that’s OK with them, then it will be available.”

Gates made the decision after President Barack Obama ordered a review of
the media ban earlier this month.



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