Posted on 10/11/2005 9:35:19 PM PDT by LibertyRocks
CHELSEA - People who knew Army Staff Sgt. John Doles and many who didn't took up U.S. flags Tuesday in his hometown to honor his sacrifice and defy an outside group that sought to turn the slain soldier's funeral into a stage for its message of hate. As Doles' funeral procession rolled past the brick buildings of the small town where he grew up, men, women and children stood with tears in their eyes and hands on their hearts.
"Respect," said 73-year-old Betty Benson, explaining why she waved a flag for the 29-year-old she never knew. "I think he deserves that."
Doles died Sept. 30 in an ambush in southern Afghanistan. He was squad leader in B Company 1-508th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza Italy, where he lived with his wife, Heather, and their 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter.
He had previously served in Iraq, parachuting into the country in the opening days of the war in the largest combat jump since World War II.
Those who knew Doles described him as an outgoing friend, devoted father and a soldier eager to serve.
"John knew his stuff," said Sgt. Brian Waterman, Doles' friend and platoon sergeant when they served together at Fort Polk, La.
"I believe all of us here know how big a heart John had," Waterman told the more than 200 people crammed into the First Christian Church. "When we were all in Iraq with no e-mail, no phones, John still made sure Heather got flowers on her birthday."
Doles' death made the far off wars far more personal for the people of his hometown. And many brimmed with anger when a half-dozen members of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., showed up shortly before his funeral.
The church members, who have protested soldiers' funerals in Oklahoma and elsewhere, say God is punishing U.S. soldiers for defending a country that harbors gays.
They stood on a street corner in sight of the church and waved signs with messages such as "God Hates the USA" and "Don't Worship the Dead."
But even as they unfolded their signs, their protest was met with a counter protest that erupted in a full-throttle roar.
About 70 members of the leather-clad American Legion Riders from Kansas and Oklahoma revved their motorcycles for about 30 minutes, drowning out anything the church members tried to say.
Cregg Hansen, a Vietnam-era veteran who helped lead the counter protest, said Doles' family had wanted to hear the engines' roar.
The riders said they plan to do the same if the group attempts to disrupt other soldiers' funerals within riding distance.
"It ain't right to protest a sacred thing like this," said Ron Scrivner, a rider whose father is a veteran. "He (Doles) died for his country. They ought to show him the respect he deserves."
About 40 law officers were on hand during the protest, which ended peacefully when the church group left. The motorcyclists clutched flags and joined local residents in solemn tribute as the funeral procession passed through town.
No one mentioned the disruption during Doles' service.
His wife, son Logan and daughter Breanna sat inches away from the flag-covered casket. At the back of the sanctuary, Doles' war medals - which included a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal - sat amid flickering candles.
The Rev. Richard Billings, who officiated at the Doles' wedding and Doles' baptism, said dying in Afghanistan "was not the last thing he ever did."
"His ministry is right now. Johnny Doles is a hero," Billings said. "We enjoy the freedom he worked for and gave his life for."
Looks like my old dog Brisket...the most badly behaved dog ever *lol*
Johnny Doles is a hero!
God Bless the American Legion Bikers ~ Bump!
There isn't really much we can do about it. He's been condemned by every Christian organization in the world.
I wish you had, too. Their future protests are probably going to be accompanied by many, many Harley roars.
But why in the world were they protesting your HS graduation? Too many high school graduates making it difficult for them to get jobs?
I thought it was totally screwball to protest a funeral. But high school graduation?
And these people not only call themselves Americans they call themselves Christians. That's what baffles me.
Your question is understandable but the answer isn't. They were protesting the high school graduations because a gay student at one of the two high schools in town claimed a teacher had said within his hearing that he (the teacher) thought homosexuality was morally wrong).
This resulted in a hearing before the school board for the teacher and the teacher resigned. (He had taken a lot of guff on another matter also. He was a retired engineer who had come back to teach math and just wasn't as PC as he should have been. Pity, probably the best math teacher at the school.) The student wanted sensitivity training for all the faculty. Only a handful of kids supported him of two high schools with some 5000 students total.
At any rate, the store of the teacher hit the news and Westboro got involved. They decided that since they were in the general neighborhood in June, they would protest at each high school's graduation, even though the troublemaker student was only a junior and wouldn't be there. They came, got lost and missed the first graduation and managed to picket the second.
At the time, I posted a vanity asking for ideas on how to handle this ridiculous demonstration but the motorcycle idea is a gem. Wouldn't be surprised if the church tried to come back here because that student is still being an a**tivist, but we will know what to do in the future.
The Rev Phelps is a big shot Democrat, Gore backer and contributor and was invited to either a Democrat convention or inaugration (both?) by Big Al. There are pictures around of them together.
There's another photo, with lots of people formed up in a V shaped crowd. That's the one from an inaugural or a convention.
I agree - it was a bad headline to be sure!
I extend my deepest condolences to your family. I am very grateful for the sacrifice you have all made to preserve our freedom.
I'm also glad to hear that counter-protests like the awesome one by the American Legion Riders at SSGT Dole's funeral are appreciated and welcomed by the families of these brave heroes! I will try to get back "on the ball" so to speak and bring news of WBC's upcoming protests so that FReepers can help show their support for families like yours.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post.
God Bless,
LR
Please send the entire family my sympathies. One of our sons served with him at Polk. He was a good man and a good soldier.
Thank you very much, I will...
"Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., showed up shortly before his funeral.
The church members, who have protested soldiers' funerals in Oklahoma and elsewhere, say God is punishing U.S. soldiers for defending a country that harbors gays.
They stood on a street corner in sight of the church and waved signs with messages such as "God Hates the USA" and "Don't Worship the Dead."
WHAT THE H#LL????? What kind of "church" is this? Is this some kind of Jim Jones Kool Aid Camp or a real church??? Unbelievable.
WOW.....thats wonderful
These wackos need to get the message....
I tip my hat to those Bikers!!!!!!!!
Christopher Marion of Pineville Missouri was recently killed in Iraq by an IED. His funeral is tomorrow. Being a citizen of that same small community myself, I knew the boy and know his family very well. He was a good, patriotic young man, and a devout Christian. He was a fine young man of outstanding moral character... which is saying a lot these days.
http://iraq.pigstye.net/article.php/MarionChristopher
These cretins plan to bring their anti-gay radical protest to his funeral tomorrow, in spite of a new Missouri Law regulating when and how close to a funeral such protests can be conducted. I know from personal aquaintances in the McDonald County Sheriffs Office that a dozen Missouri Hiway Patrol are being brought in to enforce the law.
These folks may wanna reconsider and stay in Kansas. McDonald County is not like most places you will ever visit. Locals busting a few heads is not very far fetched, and the cops may end up having to protect the "protestors". I know quite a few Vet bikers are planning to attend as well... so we shall see what happens.
I am going to be there with a camera.. so I will post some shots of these nutjobs.
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