burns
01-10-2007, 04:46 AM
Bikers turn out; protesters don't
Standing in a line clutching flag poles with the Stars and Stripes blowing in a stiff wind, scores of leather-clad bikers were out in force to show respect at Sgt. Christopher Messer's funeral Monday.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders were there to honor Sgt. Messer of Monroe, who was killed in Iraq. They also were there to make sure protesters were out of sight and far away. But none showed.
An Internet-based flier had promised Sgt. Messer's funeral would be picketed by members of a radical Kansas church. But there were no protesters and members of the Patriot Guard Riders were not surprised.
"They no longer come to Michigan," said Larry Helser, the group's state captain and a native of Maybee. "We give them our best side and that's our back side."
The Patriot Guard Riders was created to counter protests at soldier funerals by the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. Members contend that soldiers are being struck down by God for defending a nation that tolerates homosexuality.
The protests have outraged mourners and several states, including Michigan, have passed laws limiting where and when they can picket. When word began spreading during the weekend that protestors might be coming to Monroe, the Patriot Riders decided to show up.
Members, many of whom are veterans, said they arrive as invited guests of soldiers' families to show respect for fallen heroes. They also shield mourners from interruptions created by protestors through legal and non-violent means. They have been known to rev their motorcycle engines to drown out the protestors' voices.
It turned out none of that was needed Monday, but local police departments were aware of the online fliers promoting the protest. Before the ceremony began, Monroe County sheriff's deputies used a laser to measure 500 feet, the minimal distance anyone protesting a soldier's funeral is allowed, according to law. If any of the protestors did arrive, they would have to have stayed on the other side of Telegraph Rd.
Mr. Helser said there are about 5,000 Patriot Riders in Michigan with a strong Monroe County contingency. The nationwide group totals more than 80,000 members, he said.
"We're not a protest group," Mr. Helser said. "We're here to support our troops. This is about a young man who is a fallen hero. We're here to honor him."
Patriot Rider Chuck Johnson came from Lansing to show his respects for Sgt. Messer. He said although he detests what the protesters stand for, they did help to create the biker group.
"It's not about them," Mr. Johnson said. "But their evilness caused good things to happen."
Although protestors have picketed the funerals of Michigan soldiers in recent months, Mr. Helser said they have not been seen in the state since the summer.
"I tell them to put on their ruby red slippers, go follow the yellow brick road and get the hell out of my country," he said. "They don't come back."
Monroe County's presence is strong in the Patriot Guard Riders. Adam Thorn of Monroe said when 300 members of ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) heard about the group, they joined immediately.
While the men and women sipped coffee in the cold, Mr. Thorn looked around and marveled at the turnout. He said he was not surprised so many came.
"This is what we do," Mr. Thorn said. "It's about respect."
By: Ray Kisonas Monroe News http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ article?AID=/20070109/NEWS01/101090043
Standing in a line clutching flag poles with the Stars and Stripes blowing in a stiff wind, scores of leather-clad bikers were out in force to show respect at Sgt. Christopher Messer's funeral Monday.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders were there to honor Sgt. Messer of Monroe, who was killed in Iraq. They also were there to make sure protesters were out of sight and far away. But none showed.
An Internet-based flier had promised Sgt. Messer's funeral would be picketed by members of a radical Kansas church. But there were no protesters and members of the Patriot Guard Riders were not surprised.
"They no longer come to Michigan," said Larry Helser, the group's state captain and a native of Maybee. "We give them our best side and that's our back side."
The Patriot Guard Riders was created to counter protests at soldier funerals by the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. Members contend that soldiers are being struck down by God for defending a nation that tolerates homosexuality.
The protests have outraged mourners and several states, including Michigan, have passed laws limiting where and when they can picket. When word began spreading during the weekend that protestors might be coming to Monroe, the Patriot Riders decided to show up.
Members, many of whom are veterans, said they arrive as invited guests of soldiers' families to show respect for fallen heroes. They also shield mourners from interruptions created by protestors through legal and non-violent means. They have been known to rev their motorcycle engines to drown out the protestors' voices.
It turned out none of that was needed Monday, but local police departments were aware of the online fliers promoting the protest. Before the ceremony began, Monroe County sheriff's deputies used a laser to measure 500 feet, the minimal distance anyone protesting a soldier's funeral is allowed, according to law. If any of the protestors did arrive, they would have to have stayed on the other side of Telegraph Rd.
Mr. Helser said there are about 5,000 Patriot Riders in Michigan with a strong Monroe County contingency. The nationwide group totals more than 80,000 members, he said.
"We're not a protest group," Mr. Helser said. "We're here to support our troops. This is about a young man who is a fallen hero. We're here to honor him."
Patriot Rider Chuck Johnson came from Lansing to show his respects for Sgt. Messer. He said although he detests what the protesters stand for, they did help to create the biker group.
"It's not about them," Mr. Johnson said. "But their evilness caused good things to happen."
Although protestors have picketed the funerals of Michigan soldiers in recent months, Mr. Helser said they have not been seen in the state since the summer.
"I tell them to put on their ruby red slippers, go follow the yellow brick road and get the hell out of my country," he said. "They don't come back."
Monroe County's presence is strong in the Patriot Guard Riders. Adam Thorn of Monroe said when 300 members of ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) heard about the group, they joined immediately.
While the men and women sipped coffee in the cold, Mr. Thorn looked around and marveled at the turnout. He said he was not surprised so many came.
"This is what we do," Mr. Thorn said. "It's about respect."
By: Ray Kisonas Monroe News http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ article?AID=/20070109/NEWS01/101090043