Letters of Condolences when a person in the military kills themself

[ShyGuyInChicago]

When a person in the military kills them self their families do not receive a letter of condolences from the President. Some feel that suicide is not an honorable way to die and sending such letters will make suicide seem honorable. Others feel that sending such letters will help de-stigmatize mental illnes especially since suicides in the military are very high. Plus it will keep families from feeling alienated and ashamed.

What do you think?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/us/26suicide.html

[Iceman]

Why not?

[Sugaree]

...who the hell needs a letter from the President about the suicide of a family member who was in the military? Yeah, people find different forms of grieving and consolation when death happens, but really this is just an inane idea that shouldn't be thought of to begin with. Most people would like to move on from something like suicide, not be reminded of it.

[Azunite]

They don't need to write something about suicide, they could just say "Training casualty"

[FullyAlive]

I think they probably don't want to be seen supporting suicide. But I think they should send a letter, I think this would help the family in their grief. To know that what their loved one did was appreciated even if they didn't ever complete their job.

[Severus Snape]

Cato would disagree.

[Happz]

It's so the army doesn't seem weak is all. The true power of an army can come from how intimidating its said to be. If you had to go to war with an army with the 'toughest' people on earth, you wouldn't be so happy about it, would you? Anyway, thats the only reason i can think of. Just my 2 cents haha.

[Spook]

I would want to know what happened. Like Louise said, it would also help the family to know that their loved one was appreciated. :)