Stop-Loss

Although I am saddened by the untimely demise of Natasha Richardson, the surrounding news coverage leads me to wonder how many people of non-celebrity status die in skiing accidents or due to head trauma. People should be made aware of the importance of prompt medical care, regardless of a victim's social status or career.

According to the Military Times, "the Pentagon . . . will pay for families of fallen soldiers to travel to the Delaware base where the U.S. military's deceased are flown from overseas" (Military Times). I feel that it is the least the government can do for the families of fallen service members -- how horrible would it be to learn your son has died but you can't meet him at Dover because money is tight?

Also, a retroactive monthly $500 will be paid to stop-lossed soldiers dating to October 1, 2008. beginning April 1. The Army will begin to deploy units without stop-loss in January of 2010, and the practice will tentatively be eliminated March 2011.

To the Mansions of the Lord

The media will now be permitted to photograph the homecomings of fallen troops at Dover AFB (which is where their remains are returned, before being transported to their hometowns). "Defense Secretary Robert Gates has decided to allow photos of flag-draped caskets . . . if the families of the fallen troops agree" (FNC).
In my personal opinion, I find this shocking and disturbing. How can one even consider approaching the family of a fallen hero and asking permission to take photos? Our nation's heroes should be able to return home and be buried in peace, surrounded by their families -- not the media. This is abhorrent and disrespectful. The media is exploiting our troops and their families -- they've already made the ultimate sacrifice, what more can the government ask?

I was going to post a video of "The Mansions of the Lord," but they always make me emotional.

"The Mansions of the Lord"

To fallen soldiers let us sing,
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing,
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more weeping, no more fight,
No prayers pleading through the night,
Just divine embrace, eternal light,
In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry and no children weep,
We shall stand and guard though the angels sleep,
Oh, through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord