WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, today released this statement following Defense Secretary Robert Gates' decision to allow photographers to document flag-draped coffins of fallen soldiers arriving at Dover Air Force Base with consent from the troop's family:
"Secretary Gates has made a courageous, respectful decision that first and foremost is accountable to all the families of our fallen heroes," said Senator John Kerry. "I've heard from many families of our fallen soldiers who wanted the entire nation to share in the mourning when we bring our heroes home to Dover Air Force Base. This is one way our grateful nation keeps faith with those in uniform, and the new policy is appropriately sensitive to the families who prefer to close an arrival to the media."