Protesters, picketers gather at Burk’s funeral
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By Brittany Whitley
Published: March 9, 2008
MARIETTA, Ga. — A line of American flags was visible on Sunday as mourners arrived at the funeral of Lauren Burk, the Auburn freshman who was shot and killed Tuesday.
Dozens of Patriot Guard Riders stood vigil, each holding a flag, across the street from Temple Kol Emeth, in Marietta, Ga., to block the Burk family and mourners from Westboro Baptist Church protesters whose signs read “God is Your Enemy,” “God Sent the Killer” and “You Eat Your Kids.”
The Westboro protest group was alloted 45 minutes to protest and had approximately four people present.
Timothy Phelps, a member of Westboro Baptist Church, and a relative of its founder, Fred Phelps, said that God sends people to do terrible things because Americans are involved in “rampant sin.”
“Everyone ignores us and things just get worse,” he said.
On Saturday, the group traveled from Athens, Ga., where earlier in the day they protested at services for Eve Carson, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill student who was also gunned down earlier in the week.
“You won’t obey me so I am going to do things to get your attention,” Phlelps said, referring to God. “Well, maybe if you weren’t involved in rampant sin, God would stop sending these killers.”
To block mourners from the protesters, the Patriot Guard Riders, a group who attends at the funerals of soldiers to help block the view of protesters who may upset funeral-goers, held flags and formed a long line.
The Patriot Guard Riders were not “counter-protesting” the Westboro Baptist Church group, said Leslie “Cricket” Neely, a ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders.
“We’re here to present a different face to America,” she said.
Neely said that the community, local law enforcement, some of Burk’s teachers and Burk’s family asked to them attend the funeral.
“We don’t go anywhere unless we are asked by the family,” she said.
“We do what we know is right,” she added.
The plan was to block the family’s view of the Westboro protesters.
As many people drove by the Patriot Guard Riders, they would roll down their windows and thank them, or clap their hands.
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( rematwork ) on March 10, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Thank you, Patriot Guard, for all you do.
And to Michael & Elaine....I love you guys.
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Posted by ( auman ) on March 10, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Thank God for the Patriot Guard. I am a member of the church of the apostles in atlant and when I heard of the protest I was summoned by the Holy Spirit to this funeral with my bible in an attempt to pray away these WBC protesters. Thinking I might be alone I asked for help from our God, the one that teaches love and compassion, not hatred. I was so relieved to see the PG there and that I was not alone. They were surely sent by our God to protect peacefully this family. They offered a flag and I was invited to stand in the line with them. What an ausome experience. I can assure you that the family never even saw the WBC protesters, as they were 100% shielded by this ausome organization. This family lost a beautiful and innocent young lady that in no way deserved the wrath of these twisted people. I would also like to say that the Cobb County Police and other law enforcement people from the area insured that there would be no problems from WBC protesters. They were on the clock, 45 minutes only and placed away from the Synogouque where the Patiot Guard could shield them from sight of the family. The patriot Guard members came from all over Ga to attend and were non violent in purpose and intent.
The WBC worshippers from Kansas worship a God I do not know. My God would never do what these people claim to be doing in HIS name and I’m sure will pay the price for their inequities in the future.
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Posted by ( whatif? ) on March 10, 2008 at 9:51 am
Thank you Patriots. You provide a much-needed service. And to the Phelps family, again, SHAME ON YOU for trying to harass these families who are already going through so much. I hope that someday you will know their pain - times a 1,000.
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Posted by ( spridle728 ) on March 10, 2008 at 9:02 am
Thank god for the Patriot Guard Riders!
In this families time of need, they were there, shielding them from the idiots that claim they are “men of god"(WBC). how can these people (WBC) live with themselves?
On another note, I am thrilled that they caught Laurens’ killer. Justice will be served.
To the Burk Family,
Your family and friends are in our prayers, may you find some sort of solace in your hour of need.
I am truly sorry for your loss.
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Posted by ( DGmom ) on March 10, 2008 at 8:32 am
Thank you Patriots!
Our God will prevail!
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