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Rogers Introduces Bill Protecting Military Funeral Mourners

Wednesday, March 29 2006 – American military men and women, who give their lives in service to the nation, deserve to be buried peacefully and with dignity.

“America needs a chance to put its collective arms around these families and say, ‘you have the right to grieve peaceably and to bury your loved ones with dignity and respect,’” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, MI-08, who is introducing legislation today to shelter grieving families from demonstrators trying to disrupt funeral services.

The legislation, the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, is being introduced by Rogers and Rep. Silvestre Reyes, TX-16, along with House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer, IN-04, and Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller, FL-01, as well as nearly 40 other original co-sponsors.

Rogers, a veteran and brother of a career military officer, drafted the measure after attending a funeral in Michigan where a group of demonstrators yelled at the mourners, making vile, taunting, harassing comments about U.S. military men and women who are defending the nation and our freedom.

“Mourning the loss of a loved one in uniform should not be disrupted by the despicable acts of others,” Buyer said. “This legislation is a clear sign that there is no tolerance for those who choose to disrupt the sacred and sacrosanct burial of a loved one. I commend Congressman Rogers who acted quickly and with a strong purpose to protect America’s military families. There should be no question that this nation stands with the men and women in uniform, and their families.”

Reyes pointed out the irony of having to defend military families in mourning for their loved ones.

“It is sad that such legislation is needed, as these families are bearing the brunt of this war,” said Reyes. “This bill is necessary to protect their peace and dignity during their time of great loss and personal tragedy. Rep. Mike Rogers’ leadership on this issue reflects his tireless advocacy on behalf of our service members and their families.”

Rogers said the measure would prevent disruption of military funerals at national cemeteries beginning 60 minutes before and continuing for 60 minutes after the service, and keep protestors at least 500 feet away from mourners during any demonstration. It also includes a sense of Congress that all 50 states should adopt similar legislation affecting all military funeral and burial sites.

“There has to be a sense of decency,” said Rogers. “America has a responsibility to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes can grieve in peace and with dignity.”