Patriot Riders Protect Military Funeral

[UCABEAR]

After my visit to Harrison Arkansas yesterday, I got the feeling there was something special in the air. Road signs showed the community support and respect for a fallen soldier. But it didn't stop there. A law was passed in Harrison just the day before that made it illegal to protest at a funeral. To support the grieving family were the Patriot Riders, a national motorcycle group that lines the streets of the funerals of fallen soldiers so the families don't have to hear the hatred of anti-war groups at such a critical time. Soldiers sign up for the military for numerous reasons, from supporting America to just needing a job or steady paycheck. It's ok to protest the war, but to take it to the funeral just makes no sense to me at all. The protesters didn't show up, but I have a feeling if they did, the Patriot Riders would have peacefully done their part to keep a sad event from becoming...well....(I can't say what).

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010 ... laid-rest/

Thank you Patriot Riders!

[BlueHen86]

After my visit to Harrison Arkansas yesterday, I got the feeling there was something special in the air. Road signs showed the community support and respect for a fallen soldier. But it didn't stop there. A law was passed in Harrison just the day before that made it illegal to protest at a funeral. To support the grieving family were the Patriot Riders, a national motorcycle group that lines the streets of the funerals of fallen soldiers so the families don't have to hear the hatred of anti-war groups at such a critical time. Soldiers sign up for the military for numerous reasons, from supporting America to just needing a job or steady paycheck. It's ok to protest the war, but to take it to the funeral just makes no sense to me at all. The protesters didn't show up, but I have a feeling if they did, the Patriot Riders would have peacefully done their part to keep a sad event from becoming...well....(I can't say what).

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010 ... laid-rest/

Thank you Patriot Riders!

Only the lowest of scum would protest at a funeral.

[SuperHornet]

I've disagreed with you on other topics, UCA, but not here. You are 100% spot on here, as is 86.

[houndawg]

Do these guys follow Fred Phelps around the country?

[AshevilleApp]

Do these guys follow Fred Phelps around the country?

It seems that way, and that is a good thing.

The people commenting on the article in the link provided seem to have his group mixed up with liberal anti-war groups. Not exactly the case.

[ASUG8]

I wasn't sure whether the Patriot Riders scuffle with the protesters, so I Wikied it - pretty interesting, but sad that they are needed.

The group was initially formed to shelter and protect the funerals from protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church, who claim that the deaths of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are divine retribution for American tolerance of homosexuality. The Patriot Guard positions itself to physically shield the mourners from the presence of the Westboro protesters by blocking the protesters from view with their motorcade, or by having members hold American flags. The group also drowns out the protesters' chants by singing patriotic songs or by revving motorcycle engines.

Taken from the organization's website, the stated mission of the Patriot Guard Riders is:[6]

“ The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us. We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is. You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect. Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1.Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2.Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_Guard_Riders" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[UCABEAR]

Wow! I thought that Westboro group was just protesting the war . I think they need to seperate the tools from the trade though. By the way, I 'm starting a protest group to cover all those who don't pay taxes..anyone want to join? I'm basing my beliefs on the scripture, "Give unto Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar, Give unto God, what belongs to God". So all those tax evading accountants who have citezens that they help get away with it tax evasion will have protests at their funerals. C'mon folks.

[CID1990]

Wow! I thought that Westboro group was just protesting the war . I think they need to seperate the tools from the trade though. By the way, I 'm starting a protest group to cover all those who don't pay taxes..anyone want to join?

That is racist and is doomed to failure because of it.

[UCABEAR]

Edited while you posted:

Wow! I thought that Westboro group was just protesting the war . I think they need to seperate the tools from the trade though. By the way, I 'm starting a protest group to cover all those who don't pay taxes..anyone want to join? I'm basing my beliefs on the scripture, "Give unto Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar, Give unto God, what belongs to God". So all those tax evading accountants who have citezens that they help get away with it tax evasion will have protests at their funerals. C'mon folks.

[JohnStOnge]

I"ve personally witnessed the Patriot Guard Riders before.

[JayJ79]

have there been problems with anti-war protests at soldiers funerals?

I know there are problems with the dumbass Westboro types, but their agenda is primarily about other issues, not "anti-war".

[JayJ79]

I"ve personally witnessed the Patriot Guard Riders before.

did they interfere with your protest attempts?

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

I"ve personally witnessed the Patriot Guard Riders before.

did they interfere with your protest attempts?

Look JSO, I know you are not WBC affiliated. We all know that, so you don't need to post a soliloquy on the matter. I just got a kick out of the use of exaggeration in his humor.

[native]

Do these guys follow Fred Phelps around the country?

I hope so. Funeral protesters are scum.

There are plenty of great ways ways to preserve and stand up for free speech and the Constitution. Protecting funeral protesters is not one of them.