Sgt. Devin Snyder was a young MP who's life was cut short by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on June 4th. She'll be laid to rest on Saturday in her hometown with full honors and a Patriot Guard escort.
Westboro Baptist Church is planning on going to New York and protesting her funeral. Their trademark hate mongering tactic.
But Sgt. Snyder's family has a battle plan to combat them. They are called The Patriot Guard.
The Patriot Guard was formed in 2005 to shelter and protect the families of fallen soldiers who find themselves victim to WBC's protests. They come only when invited by the family.
They are considered a motorcycle club, although not all members ride.
"We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect." 1
The Patriot Guard shows the respect that our fallen soldiers deserve and support and shield their families.
According to Tim Weathers, the lead Rider for Snyder's funeral, WBC usually backs off when they hear the the Patriot Guard will be there. But he thinks this time will be different.
"When they know that the Patriot Guard is going to be there they usually don't show up. But then again, this could be different because Devin Snyder was young, she was a female and this could be one of their targets.” he said. 2
Thank you, Sgt. Snyder for your service.
And thank God for the Patriot Guard Riders. You are as much of heroes as the soldiers you stand up for.
And that gives the Ice Queen hope
1. Patriot Guard Riders mission statement http://www.patriotguard.org/
2. The Westboro Baptist Church Says It Will Be In The Southern Tier This Weekend by Bobby Brooks WETM 18 Elmira-Corning, NY
