Amish bury children after massacre (updated info on girls' heroism!)

Yahoo News ^ | October 5, 2006 | Veronica Smith

[NYer]

Amish families streamed down closed roads in a mournful parade of horse-drawn buggies Thursday, to bury schoolgirl victims of the shootings which wracked their peaceable community.

As four of the five young girls killed Monday were laid to rest, tales of selfless heroism emerged of one victim who reportedly asked killer Charles Roberts to "shoot me first," to save her classmates.

And the grief looked set to deepen, as US media reports said one critically wounded schoolgirl had been taken off life support in hospital and brought back to her spartan Pennsylvania home to die.

The reclusive Amish sect, which disdains trappings of the modern world, turned in on itself, as hundreds of mourners gathered at simple funeral rites for each child.

Each girl was to be buried in a plain pine coffin, using no metal in accordance with the Amish belief that all human remains should return to dust.

The dead were dressed by female relatives in plain white dresses, and laid out at home in open caskets as mourners arrived to pay respects, said Rita Rhodes, a local midwife who delivered two of the victims.

Those laid to rest Thursday were Marian Fisher, 13, Naomi Rose Ebersole, seven; Mary Liz Miller, eight, and her seven-year-old sister, Lena, who all died in the simple one-room schoolhouse before Roberts turned the gun on himself.

Police sealed off roads leading into the small town of Nickel Mines. There was also a no-fly zone to stop media helicopters buzzing overhead.

As the services went ahead, ABC News reported a stunning tale of bravery from the oldest victim, Fisher, who reportedly stepped forward and told Roberts to gun her down in a bid to save her classmates.

"Shoot me first," Fisher said, ABC reported, quoting Rhodes.

Fisher's younger sister Barbie, who survived, then reportedly said : "shoot me second."

"There was a tremendous amount of calm and courage in that schoolroom," said Rhodes.

The funeral for Ebersole was first and was followed by a cortege to the hilltop Georgetown Amish cemetery for a simple burial.

A large black carriage carried the coffin and was followed by Amish families in 32 horse draw buggies and two big open carriages.

A sign in front of one house on the route said "Our thoughts and prayers to all the families".

The other ceremonies were to follow and the funeral of 12-year-old Anna Mae Stoltzfus was planned for Friday.

Officials at the Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey refused to comment on the reports that a sixth victim had been taken home to die, citing a family request for confidentiality.

Four other girls aged between six and 13 remain hospitalized in critical or serious condition.

Roberts, who was armed with a handgun, shotgun and other weapons, lined the girls up against a blackboard and shot them "execution-style". Police believe the 32-year-old father of three had planned to sexually assault the girls.

The father of several survivors of the Amish school killings meanwhile told how girls questioned the gunman as to why he was carrying out the attack before he opened fire.

Leroy Zook told the New York Times: "And he told them why: He's angry at God, he's just bitter. He told them that they're supposed to pray for him that he wouldn't do this."

Zook's 20-year-old daughter Emma Mae, a teacher, was among those who, along with her mother, escaped the school and called police, the Times said. Another of Zook's daughters, two of his daughters-in-law and two grandchildren also escaped unharmed, the daily said.

Zook told the Times he had shaken hands with the father-in-law of Roberts since the siege.

"I think it's helping him to meet people, too, and see that there's no grudge," he told the Times. "How could you hold a grudge against the wife, the family?"

Roberts barged into the school on Monday, separated boys and girls and barred the doors with wooden planks before carrying out the killings.

[NYer]

A horse-drawn hearse leads the funeral procession for Nickel Mines Amish schoolhouse shooting victim Naomi Rose Ebersole past the home of of the gunman Charles Roberts as they rolls through the village of Georgetown, Pennsylvania October 5, 2006. REUTERS/Bradley C Bower (UNITED STATES)

A mound of earth is seen as mourners gather in a cemetery for a graveside service on Thursday., Oct. 5, 2006, in Georgetown, Pa., for schoolgirls slain in an Amish school shooting in the nearby community of Nickel Mines, Pa, on Monday, Oct. 2, 2006. Charles Carl Roberts IV stormed the Amish schoolhouse and shot 10 girls before turning the gun on himself. The four girls to be buried Thursday are Naomi Rose Ebersole, 7; Marian Fisher, 13; Mary Liz Miller, 8; and her sister Lena Miller, 7. The funeral for a fifth girl, Anna Mae Stoltzfus, 12, is scheduled for Friday. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

[cgk]

As the services went ahead, ABC News reported a stunning tale of bravery from the oldest victim, Fisher, who reportedly stepped forward and told Roberts to gun her down in a bid to save her classmates.

"Shoot me first," Fisher said, ABC reported, quoting Rhodes.

Fisher's younger sister Barbie, who survived, then reportedly said : "shoot me second."

"There was a tremendous amount of calm and courage in that schoolroom," said Rhodes.

Oh my. God was truly with these girls.

[rovenstinez]

A real tribute to modern day heros. Quite touching. True American culture at it's finest.

[D-Chivas]

If only that scumbag had just eaten his gun on his own.

[L98Fiero]

Being a Southern boy, I knew little to nothing about the Amish before this. What I have come to learn makes me feel trite and insignificant.

I cannot express the new-found respect and admiration I have for these brave and and wonderful people.

[MadeInAmerica]

Thru the evil act and twisted behavior of this man, I see the beauty of true FAITH in Jesus beyond anything I have witnesssed in my life time. Imagine the whole world with faith like the Amish.

God is indeed Great

[Puppage]

A real tribute to modern day heros. Quite touching. True American culture at it's finest.

Amen

[nmh]

So sad ... .

If the AMish aren't safe ... .

---

The father of several survivors of the Amish school killings meanwhile told how girls questioned the gunman as to why he was carrying out the attack before he opened fire.

Leroy Zook told the New York Times: "And he told them why: He's angry at God, he's just bitter. He told them that they're supposed to pray for him that he wouldn't do this."

---

This man was in a battle with his soul.

I guess we know who won the battle.

[nmh]

"Shoot me first," Fisher said, ABC reported, quoting Rhodes.


Fisher's younger sister Barbie, who survived, then reportedly said : "shoot me second."

These girls have more faith and guts than grown males I know. They're safely in heaven now.

[edcoil]

They did not deserive this, there must be something we can do. It is so frustrating to watch this happen and be unable to fix it.

[Gay State Conservative]

"Shoot me first"...."shoot me second".

Amazing.

That's a kind of courage and unselfishness that I doubt that I've ever had...or ever will have.

[nmh]

"God was truly with these girls."

No question about that!

[isthisnickcool]

I remember after 9/11 learning about islam and being disgusted. Like before with moslems, I didn't know much about the Amish but from what I have learned the past few days I admire them.

[GOPJ]

As four of the five young girls killed Monday were laid to rest, tales of selfless heroism emerged of one victim who reportedly asked killer Charles Roberts to "shoot me first," to save her classmates.

I don't want children having to show heroism - I wanted the teacher and the boys to fight the monster as a team. That little girls were left alone to deal with this monster is a crime.

[butternut_squash_bisque]

Gob Bless their innocent, little souls. They are better people than I am. After this horrible tragedy, I now know that.

[The_Reader_David]

If the Amish shared the traditions of the Orthodox, the girls who asked to be shot first and second would already be venerated as Passion-Bearers.

Memory eternal!

[MissEdie]

From a Southern girl, I share your thoughts and feelings. I agree with you whole-heartedly.

[nuconvert]

wow
TRULY AWESOME

[Antoninus]

I remember after 9/11 learning about islam and being disgusted. Like before with moslems, I didn't know much about the Amish but from what I have learned the past few days I admire them.

The REAL religion of peace....

[GOPJ]

"Shoot me first," Fisher said, ABC reported, quoting Rhodes.

Fisher's younger sister Barbie, who survived, then reportedly said : "shoot me second."

These girls showed up the pervert. Then again, showing up a pervert doesn't take much. Men who want to hurt children should do the rest of us a favor and kill themselves.

[WVNan]

Well I see how Reuters honored the Amish's request for no pictures and no cameras. "Please don't show the faces of the mourners," they said. Such honorable news people...NOT.

[EggsAckley]

I thought my heart was already broken until I saw the photos. Now it's completely broken.
So very sad.

[cgk]

Three Amish girls walk to the Miller farm before a funeral for eight-year-old Mary Liz Miller and her sister seven-year-old Lena Miller, who were shooting victims at their Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania.

A family of young Amish children is pulled along by their father in a little buggy in Georgetown, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, before a funeral procession for Naomi Rose Ebersole, October 5, 2006.

An Amish boy and girl look out from the rear of their buggy before a funeral procession for Naomi Rose Ebersole passed through Georgetown, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania October 5, 2006.

A young Amish girl looks out from her family buggy as they ride past a U.S. flag at half staff before a funeral procession for Naomi Rose Ebersole passes through Georgetown, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania October 5, 2006.

A funeral procession of Amish mourners ride their horse-drawn carts through Georgetown, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania October 5, 2006, on the way to a cemetery.

Pennsylvania troopers on horseback lead a funeral procession of Amish mourners through Georgetown, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania October 5, 2006, on their way to bury young Naomi Rose Ebersole at a nearby cemetery.

An Amish man rides his cart past a flag at half staff to a funeral ceremony for victims of the Amish school shootings in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, October 5, 2006.

[Chewie84]

That's amazing, that those girls could show such courage and faith. It really is an inspiration.

[windcliff]

ping

[NYer]

Catholic Ping - Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[Madeleine Ward]

These little girls, just like the 9/11 heros and our military, make me ashamed of myself.

Because I have self-reflected as to whether or not I could be like these people and offer up my life, and while I would hope that I could face such circumstances so nobly, I really don't think that I could.

[hardworking]

Thru the evil act and twisted behavior of this man, I see the beauty of true FAITH in Jesus beyond anything I have witnesssed in my life time

You will appreciate this story. On a vacation trip years ago, my family made a day trip to Lancaster County and at an intersection in a small town an Amish buggy was waiting to go through the intersection. In it was the most beautiful woman and family I have ever seen in my life! In fact, I was reminded of paintings of the holy family. The young mother was exquisite! Not a trace of makeup, yet she looked totally serene and was more beautiful than any movie star I've ever seen in film. Her young husband was saying something to her and he was looking at her as though he adored her. Two blonde-haired little kids were in the back, smiling and tussling with each other. It left an impression I have never forgotten.

[sasha123]

Every time I hear a new story, I am more amazed. There was the story of the man bringing the Robert's Family a meal, then they invited Mrs. Robert's to the funerals, and now this. The Amish community is shining bright. They are a testimony to their beliefs. And the Grace of God was/is with them. I will pray that God continues to protect their dear hearts.
-----

Leroy Zook told the New York Times: "And he told them why: He's angry at God, he's just bitter. He told them that they're supposed to pray for him that he wouldn't do this."

The children had more maturity than him.

[DoughtyOne]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Amish are part of a Christian culture that the left in the United States, particularly the media, love to trash as often as possible.

Take a good look America. While the Amish shun modern conveniences, most Christians aspire to be as righteous as they are. And for this, they are trashed inceasantly.

Hang you head in shame lefties, if you still have the ability to fully comprehend your loathsome selves.

[NYer]

Imagine the whole world with faith like the Amish.

God acts in wondrous ways. Out of tragedy, He opens hearts. God is Great, indeed!

[crazyhorse691]

"Shoot me first," Fisher said, ABC reported, quoting Rhodes.

Fisher's younger sister Barbie, who survived, then reportedly said : "shoot me second."

---

I have always thought of myself as one tough heroic person....until now. They were blessed by God.

[stultorum]

AMEN to that!

AMEN!!

[Clump]

I agree. This story has haunted me all week. I have felt so insignificant and helpless following this story. Actually this story has followed me throughout the week.

I have a 28 month old girl, and I am simply crushed for those poor families. I don't understand it at all. I have lots of respect for the Amish, and it continues to grow the more I learn about them.

[unkus]

May God bless us all.

[Fury]

Re: post 21 - I wondered about this. I've seen people almost run their cars into a ditch as they pass an Amish or Mennonite family riding along the road...

[DCBryan1]

AMEN! As I plead before, Lord, please make us "more Amish". Amen!

[B-Chan]

What unbearable misery. Children murdered in cold blood for no reason at all. It's enough to drive you to drink sometimes -- it truly is. May God have mercy on us all.

[stultorum]

I consider myself an emotionally strong man, but all I can do is cry.

How can anyone do this to innocent little children?

[Sender]

I can't comprehend how anyone could do this, or what manner of twisted logic could drive a person to think that doing this could serve any purpose whatsoever.

[girlscout]

Wouldn’t it be a joyous day in God’s kingdom, if after this great tragedy, each of us chose to carry faith in Him to the same extent as the Amish do. Wouldn’t it be something if we would begin today to show the same grace and courage in our daily lives, regardless of what we faced? We would then be truly imitating Christ’s actions.

[dirtboy]

As the services went ahead, ABC News reported a stunning tale of bravery from the oldest victim, Fisher, who reportedly stepped forward and told Roberts to gun her down in a bid to save her classmates.

"Shoot me first," Fisher said, ABC reported, quoting Rhodes.

Fisher's younger sister Barbie, who survived, then reportedly said : "shoot me second."

"There was a tremendous amount of calm and courage in that schoolroom," said Rhodes.

---------

And it turns out the teacher escaping to call for help averted unthinkable abuse being visited upon the girls.

So much for all the armchair quarterbacks who were ripping into the young women the day this happened without bothering for details to come out first.

[Melinda in TN]

There is a large Amish settlement near me. We buy all of our veggies from them in summer at their little Community Market. They are very protective of their children and don't like for them to be around most outsiders but they have come to know and trust us so we are allowed around the children. We bought both of our Jack Russell Terriers from one of the families. The settlement is one of my favorite places to visit. We sit and talk to the adults quite often. The children get a real kick out of my JRT's when we take them to visit. They giggle and point because the "boys" are in seatbelts in the back seat of the truck. In Winter we put little sweaters on them when we go visit and this really sets off giggling fits. They are amazing people when you get to know them. They are also some of the best farmers and wood crafters in the U.S.

They are also not as stiff laced as some people think. One of them in particular is a friend of my husband's. One day when we were visiting I noticed John and Eli go hide behind a big tree. In a few minutes they came out. I asked John on the way home what that was all about and he said that Eli wanted to use his cell phone. LOL Some of them lived in the "world" before joining the community and know of outside ways. Most don't though. The group we have here allow their children to live in the "world" for a while after they turn sixteen. They drive cars and everything during that time. At the end of the specified time, they must choose the Amish way or the "world". They don't shun them if they choose the world but they are allowed the choice. Believe it or not, most choose to stay with the community and turn away from the world. It all goes back to "bring up children in the way they should go" I guess.

[NYer]

The Amish are part of a Christian culture that the left in the United States, particularly the media, love to trash as often as possible.

The Amish are unique. They live in the US but isolate themselves from our society. They don't listen to the radio or watch tv. They simply wish to follow their simple livefestyle.

[Fiddlstix]

And it turns out the teacher escaping to call for help averted unthinkable abuse being visited upon the girls.

So much for all the armchair quarterbacks who were ripping into the young women the day this happened without bothering for details to come out first.

Well Said!

[NYer]

The funeral procession for Naomi Rose Ebersol makes it's way down Mine Road Thursday, Oct. 5, 2006 in Georgetown, Pa. Amish families gathered to bury four of the five young girls who were gunned down inside their tiny rural schoolhouse on Monday.(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

Madeleine, you said,"Because I have self-reflected as to whether or not I could be like these people and offer up my life, and while I would hope that I could face such circumstances so nobly, I really don't think that I could.">/i>

Don't be too hard on yourself, my friend. I truly believe that human nature means that not one of us could ever have that sort of courage alone. But somehow in the face of horrible danger, God is with us, as He promises to true believers... and it is the "peace of God that surpasses all understanding" that gives one the courage to do what these beautiful little girls did.

I,too, was thinking along the same lines as you were. And I prayed that if I or my children were ever faced with such horror that God would be with us as He was with those little girls... and I firmly believe that God's promises are real.

I had the delight and privilege to visit with and get to know an Amish family in Lancaster County one summer. Their sincere love for others rarely is known because they keep such private lives. But assuredly they do practice that "love" and forgiveness that Jesus taught. They are generous and they are genuinely outgoing and fun to talk to. They never show jealousy and are honest (brutally honest sometimes, which means there is no deceit and one always knows where one stands with them). The Amish are indeed a beautiful example of how Jesus taught us to treat others.

God bless them now in their time of sorrow and need.

[SkyPilot]

May God bless these wonderful and peaceful people in their time of grief.

I have never been so proud to call the Amish Americans. And they are - they are Americans!

We took a tour of Lancaster County 2 years ago. One person in the horse drawn wagon asked if the Amish paid taxes, or voted like "other people."

Yes on both counts, the tour guide said. Then she said something extraordinary.

"And they don't vote for donkeys, I can tell you that."

On MSNBC during the 2004 Presidential race, they were discussing the whether Pennsylvania would go for Gore or Bush. As they went down county by country, the analyst said that Lancaster had the Amish vote - which every analyst knew was Republican.

GOP courts Amish votes in swing states

[beckysueb]

There is something so terribly sad about the row of horse drawn buggys carrying a simple little pine coffin. There is such a simplistic goodness about these folks.

[LibSnubber]

NYer and Everyone on this thread, please forgive my ignorance but I thought the Amish did not ever want their pictures to be taken - something about it stealing their souls... I've had family visit Amish country several times, and I think I remember them telling me this. Can anyone set me straight?