2Princesses
11-28-2007, 10:58 PM
As I posted yesterday, the members of the Westboro Baptist Church (see http://www.godhatesfags.com) are planning on protesting at the funeral of SFC Johnny C. Walls. SFC Walls was killed on November 2nd in Uruzgan, Afghanistan when his unit was attacked by insurgents.
This Friday, we will be working alongside the Washington state chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders (http://www.patriotguard.org) in an attempt to shelter the family from the hateful protesters by creating a wall of people waving American flags who will line the streets. Our goal is to help them mourn their loss in peace. As military significant others, we more than anyone understand that this poor family is living out our worst nightmare. Let us join together and raise them up.
Because we will be representing the Patriot Guard, they have requested that we abide by their standards of conduct. While they greatly appreciate everyone wanting to show their American pride and support, they want to make sure that we go about it in the most respectful way possible. In order to be under the Patriot Guard “umbrella” (which basically protects us, in the Unlikely event that things get out of hand), they’ve asked us to submit a list of names so they know who is representing them. Again, this is for our protection.
As I keep getting word from various sources including the local news, hundreds of people are planning on showing up to pay their respects and wave the flag. Because they are expecting such a large gathering, we’ve decided the only people we are going to “vouch” for and submit on our official list are MilitarySOS members and their families.
This is not to say that others aren’t welcome, but we’d rather not risk letting some stranger tarnish our image and causing us to be excluded from all future Patriot Guard events. If this goes well, we’d like to continue supporting their work.
As for the standards of conduct:
Please keep in mind that the point of this assembly is NOT to heckle the protesters, but rather to support a fellow military family in their time of grief. The Patriot Guard has made it clear that anyone heard harassing the Westboro Baptist protesters, or anyone with negative intentions will be immediately asked to leave the group. They will explain things more thoroughly at their briefing.
This is a peaceful, quiet assembly. Please do not bring any posters. Please do not wear politically-themed clothing. Dress warm (plan for rain, an umbrella would be smart!) and bring your American flag to wave high and proud.
As for the details:
12:15am We will be meeting in the Port Orchard Wal-Mart parking lot.
(Wal-Mart: 3497 Bethel Rd Se, Port Orchard, WA)
12:30am We will then carpool to the staging area to meet with the Patriot Guard Riders and find out where they need us. (M&M Market & Deli & 76: 451 S Kitsap Blvd. Port Orchard, WA 98366)
Once we arrive at the staging area, we will be following their official schedule:
1:00 - Ride Brief
1:10 - KSU - Ride to Christian Life Center
1:15 - Form flag line
2:00 - Memorial Service
TBD - Mission Complete
The intersection where the protesters will be is within walking distance (less than a block) from the Wal-Mart, so if you need to show up late or leave early, it won’t be a problem.
Please take note that these protesters will have some pretty disgusting and hateful things displayed on their posters. This particular group (Westboro Baptist Members) also has a history of confrontations at their events. While everything is intended to be peaceful, I don’t want there to be any nasty surprises. So please be cautious and exercise your best parental judgment when deciding whether or not to bring your young children along.
If you plan to attend or have any questions, feel free to contact me (LilMsSunshine) or Meyers_Wife via PM.
Hope to see you there!
Meyers_Wife:
I would also like to add: If you are going to be there Please PM me so I can get a list of names, find out what times and give you info on meeting up with us we are going to make sure you all have our #'s so we can all reach eachother ok. Also I would like to STRESS that we are going to be as respectful as possable. The Patroit Guard will NOT even acknowledge the Phelps Family they Will even turn thier backs on them no matter what they say So PLEASE conduct yourselves as so and remember we are guests. I don't mean this to sound Bitchish but we are there to help not be noticed or voice our own opinions.
Thank you ladies and God Bless The USA
I just found out that they want
Mounted 3 x 5 flags desired for escort
Large 3 x 5 flags desired for Flag Line
(All large flags to be furled before entering ANC for services)
So if your buying flags keep this in mind please. I don't know if they are doing inspections. ;P Thanks again
I just got off the phone with Jeff ( PGR buddy ) and this is what I got. You can bring just a flag as long as it is 3x5 ft. and you and another person can hold the ends. Yay!!! For Us Broke folks. As far as bring your own Jeff said you can but Depending on the state Sometimes the State will provide flags to the Guard. In short You can bring your own but you may not have to use it because it all depends on what the ride captian desides. ok So YAY !!!!!
This Friday, we will be working alongside the Washington state chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders (http://www.patriotguard.org) in an attempt to shelter the family from the hateful protesters by creating a wall of people waving American flags who will line the streets. Our goal is to help them mourn their loss in peace. As military significant others, we more than anyone understand that this poor family is living out our worst nightmare. Let us join together and raise them up.
Because we will be representing the Patriot Guard, they have requested that we abide by their standards of conduct. While they greatly appreciate everyone wanting to show their American pride and support, they want to make sure that we go about it in the most respectful way possible. In order to be under the Patriot Guard “umbrella” (which basically protects us, in the Unlikely event that things get out of hand), they’ve asked us to submit a list of names so they know who is representing them. Again, this is for our protection.
As I keep getting word from various sources including the local news, hundreds of people are planning on showing up to pay their respects and wave the flag. Because they are expecting such a large gathering, we’ve decided the only people we are going to “vouch” for and submit on our official list are MilitarySOS members and their families.
This is not to say that others aren’t welcome, but we’d rather not risk letting some stranger tarnish our image and causing us to be excluded from all future Patriot Guard events. If this goes well, we’d like to continue supporting their work.
As for the standards of conduct:
Please keep in mind that the point of this assembly is NOT to heckle the protesters, but rather to support a fellow military family in their time of grief. The Patriot Guard has made it clear that anyone heard harassing the Westboro Baptist protesters, or anyone with negative intentions will be immediately asked to leave the group. They will explain things more thoroughly at their briefing.
This is a peaceful, quiet assembly. Please do not bring any posters. Please do not wear politically-themed clothing. Dress warm (plan for rain, an umbrella would be smart!) and bring your American flag to wave high and proud.
As for the details:
12:15am We will be meeting in the Port Orchard Wal-Mart parking lot.
(Wal-Mart: 3497 Bethel Rd Se, Port Orchard, WA)
12:30am We will then carpool to the staging area to meet with the Patriot Guard Riders and find out where they need us. (M&M Market & Deli & 76: 451 S Kitsap Blvd. Port Orchard, WA 98366)
Once we arrive at the staging area, we will be following their official schedule:
1:00 - Ride Brief
1:10 - KSU - Ride to Christian Life Center
1:15 - Form flag line
2:00 - Memorial Service
TBD - Mission Complete
The intersection where the protesters will be is within walking distance (less than a block) from the Wal-Mart, so if you need to show up late or leave early, it won’t be a problem.
Please take note that these protesters will have some pretty disgusting and hateful things displayed on their posters. This particular group (Westboro Baptist Members) also has a history of confrontations at their events. While everything is intended to be peaceful, I don’t want there to be any nasty surprises. So please be cautious and exercise your best parental judgment when deciding whether or not to bring your young children along.
If you plan to attend or have any questions, feel free to contact me (LilMsSunshine) or Meyers_Wife via PM.
Hope to see you there!
Meyers_Wife:
I would also like to add: If you are going to be there Please PM me so I can get a list of names, find out what times and give you info on meeting up with us we are going to make sure you all have our #'s so we can all reach eachother ok. Also I would like to STRESS that we are going to be as respectful as possable. The Patroit Guard will NOT even acknowledge the Phelps Family they Will even turn thier backs on them no matter what they say So PLEASE conduct yourselves as so and remember we are guests. I don't mean this to sound Bitchish but we are there to help not be noticed or voice our own opinions.
Thank you ladies and God Bless The USA
I just found out that they want
Mounted 3 x 5 flags desired for escort
Large 3 x 5 flags desired for Flag Line
(All large flags to be furled before entering ANC for services)
So if your buying flags keep this in mind please. I don't know if they are doing inspections. ;P Thanks again
I just got off the phone with Jeff ( PGR buddy ) and this is what I got. You can bring just a flag as long as it is 3x5 ft. and you and another person can hold the ends. Yay!!! For Us Broke folks. As far as bring your own Jeff said you can but Depending on the state Sometimes the State will provide flags to the Guard. In short You can bring your own but you may not have to use it because it all depends on what the ride captian desides. ok So YAY !!!!!