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May 9th, 2008
Posted: 07:28 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates quickly ordered an end to cremations done at mortuary facilities that are not part of funeral homes, after a soldier complained that his buddy’s remains were taken to what appeared to be a “pet crematorium,” the Pentagon announced Friday.

The Pentagon says the facility had separate incinerators for animals and humans, but that the signage and location of the facility in a warehouse district near Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, did not show the appropriate respect due military personnel who have died while serving their country.

Pentagon Spokesman Geoff Morrell said the new policy will require all cremation be done at facilities that connected with funeral homes that only deal with human remains.


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