Today, there was a sailor's funeral in the Missouri town 20 miles east of us -- and we got word that the group would be there to picket this sailor's funeral.
Missouri called out "the troops" and Kansas responded as well . . . I am proud to say that many in the flag line were Fort Scottians or Bourbon Countians, traveling across the state line to block out the protestors from the family.
Thankfully, the group did not show up but husband Jim and I were proud to be part of this flag line.
A small portion of the participants -- people of all ages and from all walks of life
Everyone holding a flag -- some big and some small
And the real heroes of the day are the Patriot Guard Riders. Veterans themselves (mostly Viet Nam veterans) who attend these funerals on a regular basis. So that they can shield the family from any unpleasantness.It's Wednesday and I'm sharing this with Susan at A Southerner's Notebook for Outdoor Wednesday.
If you have an opportunity to participate in the flag line, it is so meaningful. For we have, after all, free speech, because so many gave their lives. I am so proud to be an American!
24 comments:
Thank you for being there.
I have tried to write many things--but thank you just says it best.
What a wonderful post, Martha. Like flag-burning, these protests are another reminder that the right to speech we cherish has a dark side under the law. Thank you for posting this.
Ben
http://kissthecook-ben.blogspot.com/
A heartfelt Thank You, Martha and Jim.
Francie
Thank you for representing what is good about Kansas. As with everything, you gotta take the bad with the good. It's funny how some things can qualify as hate crimes and others as freedom of speech.
Thank you Martha and Jim!
We had veterans assisting my mom and I at my fathers funeral many years ago. They helped people get in and out of their cars at the gravesite and guarded the entrance of the cemetery during the service.
You and your hubby did a great thing.
Good for you! I know the family appreciated that you were there to form a barrier.
The picketing group that you speak of came to my daughters college campus a few years ago to picket a funeral at the church on campus. My daughter and several of her friends did the same thing... they formed a line between the picketers and the church, and sang love and peace songs to drown out the hate messages. I was so proud of her!
Thank you, Martha, for caring enough to be there to honor that sailor, his family and our country. While I support free speech, I do not condone the sort of speech that this "group" espouses. How they can be so hurtful and in the name of religion is beyond my comprehension!
Best,
Bonnie
I saw them picketing on the news recently and my heart went out to the fallen soldier's family. I can't imagine burying my son or daughter and having to endure their protest. It may be legal but I sure don't think it is moral.
xo,
Sherry
Thank you. ♥♫
I am so touched by your actions and your show of patriotism today. The flag line brought tears to my eyes knowing that this many Americans took time from their day to honor a fallen soldier. God Bless America and long may her flag wave! Thank you for attending and honoring that young sailor who died for his country!
Thanks to you and your hubby for being there for the family. I can't imagine anyones thought process that
would add more pain to these families.
Blessings,
Annette
I've read about this group. Last year they came to Canada to protest and I'm glad they didn't stay. What you and the others did is what I think of when I think of America.
OH.. What a Beautiful post! I absolutely loved the pic of the flags & flag bearers.
Thank you for doing that. If that ever happens near here, I will be in the line of flags.
You were certainly a part of what is good/great here.
And Thanks for stopping by earlier & leaving such a nice comment...
Hugs from Michigan
Martha,
As a blog friend, wife of a retired career U.S. Army Soldier, a fellow Kansasan, I salute you and hubby Jim. We were praying for those of you attending as a Facebook friend, also, attended. God bless the family of the young fallen soldier. God bless you. God bless us all!
Fondly,
Pat
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Joyce (a proud Army soldiers mom)
What a thoughtful thing for you all to do. The sight of that line of flags is quite moving. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Thank you Martha and to your husband, too. Kansas, the state of my birth, has always been a place of great patriotism. You exemplify that tradition. Bless all of the wonderful people who went there to protect the sacredness of the day from those who would profane it.
Thank You Martha and Jim!
I had not heard of a Flag Line before, but think they should be done nationwide. I have forwarded your column to about 10 people, and hope they send it on. I would be in a Flag Line, and am thinking about organizing them locally.
THANK YOU.
I had trouble even reading this out loud to my husband I was so touched. We will definitely do the same thing should the opportunity arise. Thank you.
Thank you Martha and Jim!
Thank You.
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