Posted on 06/08/2009 12:53:50 PM PDT by HotLead61
Edited on 06/08/2009 4:50:32 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Little Rock - Army Private William Long was to have been on his way to his first posting today when, instead, he was being eulogized in his hometown.
Long, from Conway, was killed June 1 outside the Army-Navy Career Center in west Little Rock where he had volunteered to tell others about his military experience. A Muslim convert once imprisoned in Yemen has pleaded not guilty to capital murder in Long's death. He allegedly told police he targeted Army personnel "because of what they had done to Muslims in the past."
(Excerpt) Read more at katv.com ...
Will his parents or wife get full V.A. survivor benefits, as he was killed on active duty? If not, why not?!
Prayer to all those in the armed forces, under attack from those without and within.
Thanks. Will watch for it.
We salute you, soldier. Rest in peace.
Beebe expressed shock that someone would target the American military so far from the battlefield.
The point is, according to these radical islamists, the battlefield is EVERYWHERE and is not limited to somalia, afghanistan or iraq..
“Gov. Mike Beebe attended the service. Before the proceedings began, Beebe expressed shock that someone would target the American military so far from the battlefield.”
Well, good for Gov. Beebe. Now, call a press conference, get yourself on TV and demand to know why the media has refused to report a terrorist attack against the US military on US soil!
Un-be-lievable!
bump!
To any & all interested parties:
I had the distinct privilege to represent all like-minded Freepers at Private Long’s funeral today. It felt really good to be in the company of so many patriotic Americans, whether they be active-duty military, retired veterans or just traditional patriots standing up.
I would say that there were between 400 and 500 people present at the church and burial site (Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock). About 200 of the total number were motorcycle riders, many (maybe most) of them being Patriot Guard Riders.
The Patriot Guard represented their membership very well. They were reverent, respectful, and resolute in their support of this soldier’s family & friends. As their motto states, “Standing for Those Who Stood for Us”.
I had the distinct privilege of meeting several of these nice folks, including the Arkansas Captain (”Camel”) and the VP of Membership (”Pete”). The entire time I was there, I knew I was among friends. I also came to realize that this is a group I’d like to join & support. Although I’m not a motorcyclist (maybe one day soon), they say anyone who wants to join can do so, by visiting www.patriotguard.org...
As far as the day’s events go, I have heard from the Guard members that the “Westboro” protesters had indeed assembled at some distance down the street from the church. The usual signs, emblazoned with “GOD HATES _____”, “IED’s are a Gift from God”, etc., were reportedly present, but I didn’t get to see them...State Law says that any such protests MUST be disbanded no later than 30 minutes prior to the starting time of the event being protested. [I also found out that Patriot Guard people were intimately involved in betting that bill passed.]
After I got there (just after 9:30 am), I was struck by the number of motorcycles parked in the church lot. American flags, POW-MIA flags, lots of leather & denim, lots of liberty-minded American patriots. I felt good about that, but bad at the same time for Private Long’s family & friends.
I proceeded to walk around the property holding my American flag, waving at the occasional “honker” passing by on Dave Ward Drive. When it was time to await the movement of Private Long’s casket from the church into the waiting hearse, the Patriot Guard moved “en masse” to line both sides of the breezeway through which the casket would be passing. I felt honored to stand among them.
Just before the casket was carried outside by the Honor Unit, the Honor Guard commander’s order of “PRESENT ARMS!” was obeyed by the Patriot Guard members, who raised a salute to their fallen comrade. It was a solemn moment as the casket was carried through that “Gauntlet of Honor”.
One other thing that I would like to mention is the reverence shown by so many drivers in oncoming traffic, as they stopped their cars & pulled off the road to show their respect. At one intersection, a police officer even held a salute as the convoy passed by.
At the cemetery, a military chaplain told of the high cost of freedom, which includes unexpected & heart-rending losses. He also presented the Gospel of salvation to all who could hear. In a fitting culmination, Private Long received a 21-gun salute and a solemn rendition of Taps. American pride swelled in my heart. I can only imagine that was the case with others there as well.
I concluded my adventure today at a lunch given by some local Patriot Guard members, at which any Guard members (and guests, such as myself) could be fed, refreshed, and engaged in fellowship.
I’d say that this day of vacation for me (as well as anyone else who took the day off) was time well-spent.
“At one intersection, a police officer even held a salute as the convoy passed by.”
Thank you so much for your report and attendance. I managed not to cry until I got to that line.
I’m so furious at the media’s lack of reporting on this I can hardly stand it.
Oh, there was nothing to do with “jihadism” or “Islam” or “terrorism” in this incident. It was a “senseless act of violence”. Obama said so in his statement.
...and why the POTUS hasn't taken the time to make a statement about this incident. Some CIC. He's too busy on the golf course.
If the soldier had shot the muzzie, instead of the opposite, I'm sure 0bama would've had a lot to say!
This is the last thing obama wants to talk about. The Black panthers wouldn’t like it.
I want to see if 0 issues an apology for this. An apology to normal Americans for the crimes committed against them by members of the Cult of Death.
Interesting that you brought up the “Apology Tour”, becuase I was thinking about the effects of his disgraceful statements to many of those who owe their very existence to American sacrifice & commitment.
Last Thursday at the Memorial for Private Long, I wondered why we only got “thumbs-up”, “waves”, or “honks” from only 1 or 2 out of every 10 passing motorists. What I have come to realize, is that the incessant APOLOGIZING FOR and BADMOUTHING OF the USA, has done a lot of damage to American morale, both military & civilian.
His kind of attitude is tearing down whatever was left of American pride...and that is part of the “Progressive / Socialist / New World Order” playbook...[i.e., we are all “Global Citizens” now] disgusting, but we’re not dead yet! It doesn’t take a large percentage to make a difference, that’s been proven.
bump
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