Posted on 04/19/2006 6:06:03 PM PDT by Velveeta
Five members of a small Kansas church demonstrated today outside the funeral of a Marine from south suburban Lansing, but left when hundreds of counter-protesters turned out to shield family members from their display.
Members of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka have been traveling around the country to demonstrate at military funerals, contending that God is punishing America with war casualties for its tolerance of homosexuals and generally welcoming the combat deaths.
Today, they came to the funeral of Marine Lance Cpl. Philip J. Martini, 24, who died in combat of a gunshot wound April 8 in Iraq's Al Anbar province.
This time, however, the demonstrators were met by nearly 200 "Patriot Guard Riders," a biker group, which shielded family members and other mourners outside Holy Ghost Church at 170th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue in South Holland.
When a gray hearse carrying Martini's body arrived at the church, all that could be seen on the street was a sea of black biker leather and American flags waving in the wind.(snip)
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
A Marine honor guard Wednesday carries a casket containing the body of Lance Cpl. Philip J. Martini, a Lansing resident and Iraq war casualty, from Holy Ghost Church in South Holland
Rest in peace, Lance Cpl. Martini.
Nicely done, Patriots...nicely done.
Anyone who is such a scumbag as to protest a fallen soldiers funeral should immediately have their citizenship revoked and be deported. These people are beneath scum.
Anyone who is such a scumbag as to protest a fallen soldiers funeral should immediately have their citizenship revoked and be deported. These people are beneath scum.
I dont know anything about the Chicago trib but I am surprised by the coverage, except that it gives them a chance to dig at people opposed to gay right agenda. BUt that's not the story here -- this is an incredible, lovely story that really made my night. Kudos!
I was thinking perhaps a more fitting punishment would be to incarcerate them in a "Prison Comfort Team" on Prison Grounds of the Same Gender.
"Patriot Guard Riders" RULE!!!
Great pics of Real Americans honoring one of our fallen heros.
Thanks!
They're despicable human beings.
Chicago Tribune leans waaaay left.
I was surprised to see this story on the front page.
200 Patriots!
I was choked up reading the article.
Amen.
They deserve our praise and gratitude.
PING
In case you haven't seen this - PROUD PATRIOTS protect a Fallen Little Brother.
Thanks to all members of The Patriot Guard.
It's Fred Phelps's crew. He hates gays and hates the United States. I think he's on a mission to piss off every single person in the world. He's doing a good job so far.
Thanks, guys.
Illinois ping
They are awesome. The Phelps Phreaks are beneath contempt.
Patriot Guard Riders!............Well Done.
Where does Phelps get the money to do all of this traveling? Someone at the Kansas State D.A.'s office should look into his finances.
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