> Hiding Our War Dead. Italy Publicly Honors Its War Dead, America Hides Its Dead
26 March 2005, 15:41
Sorry for the delay in answering your quite pertinent question. I have been away. I should have given a source in my original note, and for that I apologize.
"With the toll of Marines killed in Iraq mounting, the Marine Corps is no longer requiring the Marines notifying families of such deaths to wear the corps’ distinctive dress blue uniform.
Authorized by the Marine Corps’ commandant, Gen. Michael Hagee, the change was made because the public is beginning to associate the blue uniform with death and tragedy, officials said. It is usually worn during ceremonial or joyous occasions
Officers and senior enlisted Marines making notification visits are now ordered to wear the corps’ green uniform, known as alphas.
The switch has caused consternation among active-duty and retired Marines, but some, including recruiters and casualty assistance officers, applaud the switch. Others say it smacks of disrespect for the dead Marines and their families.
"Casualty notification is a solemn event and deserves full honors," said Col. John Toolan, who disagrees with the switch.
Toolan, who led the 1st Marine Regiment during the 2003 assault on Baghdad and April’s offensive in Fallujah, said the dress blues were a perfect symbol of "a noble profession that must often balance the euphoria of battles won and the pain of brothers lost."
I think that Colonel Toolan’s comments tell it all. They are from a Marine commander who had the sad task of sending some of his Marines home in those concealed flag-draped coffins.
Sorry for the delay in answering your quite pertinent question. I have been away. I should have given a source in my original note, and for that I apologize.
I read this in a newspaper, but as I read at least 4 every day I just cannot remember which was the one. This morning I googled "Marine Corps casualty teams" and found this article in the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0503240246mar24,1,3887266.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true
I feel that a bit of that article merits a quote:
"With the toll of Marines killed in Iraq mounting, the Marine Corps is no longer requiring the Marines notifying families of such deaths to wear the corps’ distinctive dress blue uniform.
Authorized by the Marine Corps’ commandant, Gen. Michael Hagee, the change was made because the public is beginning to associate the blue uniform with death and tragedy, officials said. It is usually worn during ceremonial or joyous occasions
Officers and senior enlisted Marines making notification visits are now ordered to wear the corps’ green uniform, known as alphas.
The switch has caused consternation among active-duty and retired Marines, but some, including recruiters and casualty assistance officers, applaud the switch. Others say it smacks of disrespect for the dead Marines and their families.
"Casualty notification is a solemn event and deserves full honors," said Col. John Toolan, who disagrees with the switch.
Toolan, who led the 1st Marine Regiment during the 2003 assault on Baghdad and April’s offensive in Fallujah, said the dress blues were a perfect symbol of "a noble profession that must often balance the euphoria of battles won and the pain of brothers lost."
I think that Colonel Toolan’s comments tell it all. They are from a Marine commander who had the sad task of sending some of his Marines home in those concealed flag-draped coffins.