Fallen soldier and protest? In God's name?

My little hometown of Centerville, Iowa was in an unwanted spotlight today.  With a heavy heart, this quaint little town of 6,000 people prepared a homecoming.   One of its young men, Marine Master Sgt. Travis Riddick was killed in action in Afghanistan and was brought home to be buried.  The citizens brought their flags and lined the highway from the edge of town all the way to the funeral home where he would lay until his burial.  Say what you will about a small town, but they honor and are there for one another in a time of need.  They just want to stand together and mourn the loss of this young soldier, to thank him for his service and show support for his family.

This scene of sadness and patriotism is now being interrupted and ridiculed by a group from the Westboro Baptist Church.  I am sure you have heard of their picketing and spewed hatred.  Under the guise of preaching, they show up at such events and wreck havoc and emotional distress on those who are already suffering.   There is nothing Christian about their words or actions.  They use their right to freedom of speech that is protected by these soldiers, to dishonor them and other groups they choose to hate.   I have seen them with their little children at several events, talking about how God hates certain people.  God help these little souls.   I know we all have different views.  That is one thing that makes our country special.  However, to hide your bigotry behind your religion is not acceptable.  Using his name to justify their despicable actions is deplorable.  To choose this occasion as a platform to exercise the freedom this soldier helped grant you, is unforgivable.

MY God hates no one.   Please Fred Phelps.   Go away.  And take your congregation (aka whack job family) with you.  We know how you feel.  We don't care.  Shut up and go home.

RIP Master Sgt. Travis Riddick.  Thank you for your service and giving your life to protect the freedoms we all cherish.  May your family only see the good people of this town showing their respect and nothing else.

And thank you Centerville, Iowa for making this small town boy very proud!