Among the mourners Thursday during Bryan Scripsick's funeral was a large contingency of Patriot Guard Riders, also known as “Freedom Riders.”
At first glance the Patriot Guard looks like a rough and ready motorcycle gang, complete with leather jackets, bandanas and loud choppers.
But their presence at these special funerals is anything but disruptive.
According to the group's web site, their sole mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family.
Their task is to first “show sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.”
They also are there to “shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.”
“We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means,” the group's web site maintains.
According to city officials, there were no protesters present in Pauls Valley Thursday despite rumors Iraq War protesters would show up in force.
“By state law any protesters must obtain a permit to demonstrate from the city and then they must stay 500 feet away from the church, funeral procession and cemetery,” said City Manager James Frizzel, who added no one had applied for a permit.
In 2006 the Oklahoma Legislature passed legislation making it illegal to picket or protest within 500 feet of a cemetery, mortuary or church.
The legislation was filed in response to protests conducted by the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, at several military funerals in Oklahoma.
A smaller group of riders were available Wednesday morning when Scripsick's body arrived at Will Rogers World Airport.
At the family's request, the riders, along with troopers from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, escorted Scripsick and his family from Oklahoma City to Sufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home in Pauls Valley Wednesday.
While many of the Freedom Riders came from Oklahoma, one Patriot Guard member told the Daily Democrat there were riders from all over the nation in Pauls Valley Thursday.
“We stand for those who stood for us,” she said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders ride past mourners holding American flags Thursday during the funeral procession for Cpl. Bryan Scripsick. The riders show up at soldiers’ funerals to show respect for the fallen soldier, their families and community. (PVDD photo by Jim Richardson)
-
A Patriot Guard Rider drives behind the hearse carrying the body of Cpl. Bryan Scripsick, who was killed in a suicide bomb attack last week in Iraq. The Patriot Guard travels all over the country to honor soldiers who have died in the line of duty.
Discussion
Patriot Guard stands tall for Scripsick
- Local News
-
-
Group looks to make fitness fun
Fitness and fun — a great combination for an ever expanding group working to better the health of those in the entire Garvin County area.
-
4-H program helps with 911 signs
Garvin County's 911 coordinator is now hoping to get the message out for residents, especially those in rural areas, to get their new 911 addresses posted as near their home's driveway as possible.
-
Despite 75th milestone, GC livestock show maintains tradition
Part of what makes the Garvin County Livestock Show stand out for so many participants year after year is despite any changes, the traditions which began so many years ago can still be seen from those who are involved today.
-
Raffle run to help kids’ place in PV
A special football sporting the names of past Oklahoma gridiron greats is at the center of a campaign going on right now to help a Pauls Valley kids’ facility.
-
Cookie sales kick off
-
Breakfast tradition returning for crowds and fellowship
While many residents of Pauls Valley have no shortage of great causes to open up their pocket for in any given year, there are events where community bonds almost overshadow an annual need.
-
A real focus on illegal drugs
The new year has brought with it a very fast pace for one Garvin County law enforcement agency thanks to its extra attention on illegal drug activity.
-
Featured Pet Adopt: Blossom
-
Showing Support
-
Absentee date comes in a week
Voters in three Garvin County school districts have a few days left to request to have absentee ballots mailed to them for an upcoming election date.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Group looks to make fitness fun
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
