US soldiers clowning by empty casket sparks outrage

A group photograph showing soldiers clowning around an empty, flag-draped casket has sparked a furore on social media where people say it’s disrespectful of veterans and those killed in action.

The Wisconsin National Guard responded on Tuesday by announcing that it had suspended the soldier who apparently posted the photograph online from her honour guard duties. The photograph was taken at a guard training facility in Arkansas and included soldiers from other units.

The National Guard also was taking steps to protect the soldier after she received death threats.

The photograph originally posted on Instagram shows about a dozen soldiers around a casket. Several hug playfully. One flashes a peace sign. Another has his back turned and is pointing off in the distance.

The caption reads, “We put the FUN in funeral – your fearless honour guard from various states.”

The photograph was posted from an account belonging to Spc. Terry Harrison, of the Madison, Wisconsin-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, according to the National Guard. That account has since been closed, but others have reposted the picture and Harrison’s comments on multiple social media sites.