Posted on 09/30/2006 5:15:53 PM PDT by icwhatudo
WJZ's Jessica Kartalija was on hand as more than 2,000 Marylanders came to say goodbye to Petty Officer Second Class David Roddy.
The 32-year-old sailor was a member of an elite unit that specialized in diffusing bombs. His team was responding to an incident when a bomb exploded.
After getting wind that protesters could show up at the funeral, supporters showed up in full force to honor the fallen sailor.
"There is no greater sacrifice than to give a life for other people's liberty," said Mike Wooding. "We think it is horrible that people are here to dishonor that sacrifice, and we thought we'd come and express the opposing view which I think is felt by most people in this area."
Roddy and his wife had three children--a 10-year-old daughter and twin seven-year-old sons.
This is the second time in a month that a Naval Officer trained to diffuse bombs has been killed.
I arrived at 0840 and there was already a huge crowd in place (a few pictures here) and ready to deny the Westboro folks access to the funeral. The Bel Air and Abingdon Fire Departments had their trucks (those are the ones with the big extending ladders) and they erected the ladders across the street and hung a huge American Flag from them.
There was a steady stream of motorcycle riders from various groups. Riders with names like Sniper, Homebrew, J Dawg, and Rebel were in place to prevent a fallen hero from being dishonored and they were in such large numbers that the dignity of the family at their time of grief was all but assured. There were around 500 motorcycles and their riders, and probably 500 or 600 additional people there as well. The number of Flags was overwhelming and there was a lady passing out Flags for those who did not have one. During this time of preparation everyone acted with dignity and respect for the family. 
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Duty, honor, courage.
I am glad the family and the sailor's service was honored there.
Thanks for your efforts and sincerity in making it happen.
Polie note to kind reporter. Diffuse is not de-fuse.
Polie = polite
Oh, the irony.
From one ex-PO2 to another...God bless RIP.
That depends on where you live, I guess:') What a wonderful turn out from the community. Prayers for the family.
scares me to death - have a family member, Navy Seal, bomb detail, heading for Iraq next month...have grandson in Airborne spec ops, stationed in Italy - but who knows where he's dropped when? got a son in law, Navy Pilot = lots of prayers at night
Chief Paul Darga was buried a couple of weeks ago in Alpena, Michigan. He too was killed while in process of defusing an IED. I understand there were a large number of Vets and bikers present to assure that the threatened Westboro follies did not interfere with the dignity of the occasion.
You guys make me proud.
I stand humbled by the willing sacrifice of those protecting my freedom.
A man.
A hero.
Great loss, obviously, to the family.
I stand at attention, for a salute to all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
I thank you so much.
Prayers up to Petty Officer Second Class David Roddy and his family.
May his memory be forever honored and may his family be showered with the blessed grace of our Lord.
I stand in awe of their sacrifice for us.
God bless America.
Ditto.
There is no possible way to thank these wonderful people for what they do. All I know is that their place in heaven is assured.
God bless this brave hero and give solace to his family. I don't know what to say.
We are so blessed, for these wonderful heroic ....
I'm out of words........
The fact that the court has blocked laws to outlaw the protests at these funerals is pure third world anarchy.
I bet the patroit guard was leading the motorcycle riders.
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