I reported last evening on my radio show that Congressman Wayne Gilchrest had sent an email asking for support at the funeral of Petty Officer David Roddy. Roddy, who was killed in Iraq while trying to dismantle a bomb, leaves a wife and three young children. The Westboro Baptist Church planned to protest the funeral as they have done all over the country. The email asked that we arrive by 0900 and line the streets and asked that we all have American Flags. 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.
We were given a warning when the family motorcade was in route and they arrived escorted by motorcycle police officers. The hearse was part of that motorcade and people bowed their heads in respect as it passed by. The absolute silence of so many people at that particular time is one I will not forget. The only sound I heard after the hearse had passed was the sound of a group singing God Bless America. We all stayed in the area while the funeral service was held inside the St. Francis de Sales Church. David was buried in the cemetery that is part of the Church so when they were ready to come outside for that part of the funeral, people gathered around the perimeter of the graveyard. I was fortunate enough to be right at the grave site where I could see and hear the service. As it would happen, as they were bringing the small box with David's remains from the Church, a light sprinkle of rain began to fall. It seemed to me at the time that tears from Heaven were being shed for this fallen hero.
Article comments
1 - Donnie Marler
Our community recently laid a hero to rest as well. Your article could have been describing our own attempts as citizens, friends, and patriots, to pay our respects while protecting the family from those who have none.
Our fallen hero was buried fourteen miles from his church. Every step of the way was lined with people holding flags.
The Patriot Guard, of which I am a proud member, participated and did magnificently. The "people" from the WBC had plans to attend but thought better of it.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Petty Office Roddy at this time. Thank you for being there for them.
2 - tink
It's heartwarming to read that many still know what the right thing to do is and that they are not ashamed to do it. Regardless of politics, all the men and women who have lost their life (either in death or by disfigurement) did so doing a job that no one in the WBC has the guts for.
3 - Michael J. West
A movingly written piece, Big Dog. Thank you for it.
4 - diana hartman
I am pleased to tell you this article is the Culture Editor's Pick of the Week.
Diana Hartman
Culture Editor