Patriot Guard

[racedraper]

I found out that a extremist baptist church lead by Fred Phelps was going to do a protest for a Army soldier who's helicopter crashed in Northern Iraq. I decided to go up and photograph the events. Unfortunately i missed the protesters that we ran out after showing up for only ten minutes. The Patriot Guard was asked to show by the widow. I think over 2000 locals showed to pay final tribute and up to 500 motorcycles came as well. itr was a unreal scene as the fallen hero was drove to his final resting place. The crowd with there hands ovcer their hearts and quiet. Here is a link to my photos so far. Thanks for viewing them.
http://www.pbase.com/racedraper/patriot_guard

[megan]

Wow, some pretty sobering photos. Good work.

[hollis]

and God bless The Patriot Guard :thumbsup:

[Old Timer]

We had the same situation here about a year ago. When the word got out that the Patriot Guard was coming the protesters decided to stay home. Very moving service held at the local gym to accommodate everyone. The fallen soldier's mother was an employee of the school system so the family was very well known.

[mtbbrian]

The Patriot Guard is a great group!
What they do is great thing for the families of the service member that is being buried.
In a way I wish they didn't exist, because of groups like Mr Phelps', what they are "protesting" is a little wacked. I think what they are doing is very disrespectful and just plain wrong. I wish this group would just go away.
I can say this, because I am a Soldier.
You're photographs are great! Thanks for sharing them.
Brian