Protestors Began Boycotting Marine’s Funeral, They Never Thought These Guests Would Show Up
By Dreamer
The family of Richard Bennet was absolutely shocked and in grief when they heard the news about the 25-year-old Marine corporal’s death. He was tragically killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq, and his family could not believe that their hero son, brother, and friend wasn’t going to be coming back home again. But that didn’t stop the infamous Westboro Baptist Church from making their life a living hell.
The Westboro Baptist Church protests at soldiers funerals in the belief that their deaths are an example of the “wrath of God” upon our country. They are especially against the acceptance of homosexuality seen in America today.
Their signs are not ambiguous whatsoever, with slogans like, “Thank God for dead soldiers,” and “Semper Fi Semper Fags.” Richard’s family caught wind that the church was planning something for his funeral in Girard, Kansas as well – and they were understandably terrified.
A soldier’s funeral should be a somber affair, not a moment to push your beliefs on others. This young man gave his life to serve our country, and he deserves respect and admiration. All the Westboro Baptist Church has to offer is hate.
Thankfully, there is another group that goes around counteracting the efforts of the WBC. The Patriot Guard learned of their plans for Bennet’s funeral, and they immediately drew up plans of their own. They were going to make sure that this deceased hero would get the honorable funeral he deserved, no matter what.
The important day arrived, and with it lots of anxiety for everyone involved. This poor family was forced to worry and panic, in a time when they should be reflecting and honoring their deceased Marine hero.
The Patriot Guard arrived on their motorcycles, the loud engines drowning out the cries of the WBC protestors. They circled the funeral and shielded the protestors from view, providing a safe environment for the ceremony.
They did all they could to drown out the protestors as well, bringing along speakers to play patriotic songs and revving their engines in tune with the loudest WBC outcries.
“Bennet died defending our sacred freedoms, and he even died to give the fringe members of the Westboro Baptist Church the right to picket his own funeral, but just because they have the right to speak doesn’t mean we have to listen,” said veteran and pastor Ken Van.
This isn’t the first time we’ve celebrated the work of the Patriot Guard. They have been doing their amazing work protecting soldier’s funerals and events ever since 2005. The group makes sure to ask permission before they arrive to protect a funeral, and they are always respectful of the wishes of the family and the deceased.
Everyone deserves the freedom to share their opinion, but Van makes a good point. There is no guarantee that anyone is going to listen to you if your opinions are hateful, spiteful, and venomous.
Check out the video below to see the Patriot Guard in action, and share your opinion on their passionate work in the comments!
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