Standing by the family
Posted : Oct 25, 2009 8:49 PM
Updated: Oct 26, 2009 5:46 AM
Even on a cold and snowy day, the Patriot Guard Riders are proud to take their post.
"Hot weather, cold weather, sunny day, rainy day, snowy day," explains Robin Thurston with the Patriot Guard Riders, "we'll keep doing it as long as people want us to do it."
When the Patriot Guard Riders heard protestors from Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas were planning to be near the funeral for Staff Sergeant Glen Stivison, who died in Afghanistan nearly two weeks ago, the riders felt they should be there too.
Staff Sergeant Stivison's funeral is planned for 11a.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home.
"Theres a wife and two little boys in there," says Thurston. "We're here to let them know that people care."
There are roughly 180 thousand Patriot Guard Riders across the country. Many are veterans and understand Stivison's sacrifice.
Thurston explains, "The common bond that we share is a deep respect for people who wear a uniform."
On Monday the focus will be on respect for the Stivison family.
"Two little boys come up, shake your hand and say thank you for being there for my daddy, that says it all," says Thurston.
TJ at Oct 25th 2009 11:15 PM
Thank you so much for coming to the aid of this family. I knew that once you heard this lame "church" was coming to protest that you would come to their aid and honor this hero!
Christine at Oct 26th 2009 12:26 AM
Yes, Thank you for showing the WORLD that we do care for our military men and women and that we are all NOT "fanatic Christian NUTS". The Middle Eastern belief is that we are all Westboro Church types. No wonder that they dislike us so much, hmmm?
Mark at Oct 26th 2009 3:06 AM
Thank you for your kind words. I'd like everyone to know, it doesn't matter whether or not the "Uninvited Guests" are planning on being there or not...we are honored and privelidged to stand for any and every fallen Hero, if the family requests our presence. This includes anyone who wears a uniform; military, LEO, Fire Fighters, veterans...Like Robin said, our primary mission is to honor and respect the fallen, and support the family. We never attend unless we are invited. Thank you for your support of our military!
Leah Hunter at Oct 26th 2009 2:32 PM
What a wonderful way to show respect to our fallen hero! I think it's wondreful that the Patriot Guard Riders will be there for this family. As a Christian,I'm appalled by this radical groups behavior! Their massage of hate couldn't be farther from the truth,God is not about hate! We are proud of our troops,and support them 100%!! Thank you Patriot Guard Riders for supporting our military!