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**Peregrino** · 06-22-2005, 13:51

Can you believe this? I am beyond words. Peregrino

Kansas group vows to crash Piper funeral
By Caitlin Nagle / For the Item
Wednesday, June 22, 2005

MARBLEHEAD - As Marblehead continues to plan a substantial event in honor of its fallen hero, Special Forces Army Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Piper, the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church is planning a protest at his funeral.

The funeral for Piper, who died a week ago today from injuries suffered two weeks earlier from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at Old North Church, First Church of Christ (Congregational), 35 Washington St., Marblehead, followed by a graveside service in veterans' section of Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead.

According to Margie Phelps, daughter of Wesboro Baptist Church minister Fred Phelps, protesters from Topeka will stand on sidewalks holding signs that read "America Is Doomed" and "Thank God for IEDs," (IED being an "improvised explosive device," a reference to a roadside bomb or mine, which killed Piper and two of his fellow soldiers).

Phelps said, "This nation has institutionalized the most grievous sin (homosexuality)" and that God is taking vengeance on the United States through the killing of American soldiers and 9/11.

Town Clerk and former selectman Thomas McNulty responded to the purported protest with anger.

"If this group of kooks should present themselves in the town of Marblehead. I am sure they will be treated as they deserve to be treated, which is indifferently." He added, "I am appalled."

Other state and town officials expressed similar opinions.

Dick powers, spokesperson for the state Department of Veterans' Services, said, "It is sad and ironic they would choose to disrupt a private moment honoring the memory of someone killed defending their freedom of speech. While it may be their right, they have certainly crossed a moral line."

Marblehead Veterans' Agent David Rodgers added that he hopes no attention is given to the group as to avoid acknowledging its message. Consequently, he said he is not aware of and won't be organizing any counter protests.

Police Chief James Carney said his department is aware of the purported demonstration and is taking the necessary steps to ward off confrontation.

"We are developing a plan and we will have a police presence at the funeral," he said. "We are very blessed (Piper) was part of this community. The police department fully intends to support his family and honor his service to our country."

The protesters have also issued a proclamation to picket the funeral of Marine Capt. John Maloney of Chicopee. According to Phelps, for the past 15 years, members of the church have used their own money to picket schools, churches and funerals throughout the country.

She said, "We have been to every state and seven other countries."

The group converged on the town of Lexington two weeks ago in order to protest several churches and schools. Francine Edwards, pastoral associate of St. Brigid Catholic Church, said only 10 or so protestors arrived.

She reported that ignoring the placards and the radicals resulted in a short 30-minute protest.

"We just totally ignored them. The police were extremely organized just in case something happened." She said that most importantly, "Townspeople were urged not to confront them at all."

06-22-2005, 13:51	#1
Peregrino Quiet Professional Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Occupied Pineland Posts: 4,701	UnF'n Believable Can you believe this? I am beyond words. Peregrino Kansas group vows to crash Piper funeral By Caitlin Nagle / For the Item Wednesday, June 22, 2005 MARBLEHEAD - As Marblehead continues to plan a substantial event in honor of its fallen hero, Special Forces Army Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Piper, the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church is planning a protest at his funeral. The funeral for Piper, who died a week ago today from injuries suffered two weeks earlier from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at Old North Church, First Church of Christ (Congregational), 35 Washington St., Marblehead, followed by a graveside service in veterans' section of Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead. According to Margie Phelps, daughter of Wesboro Baptist Church minister Fred Phelps, protesters from Topeka will stand on sidewalks holding signs that read "America Is Doomed" and "Thank God for IEDs," (IED being an "improvised explosive device," a reference to a roadside bomb or mine, which killed Piper and two of his fellow soldiers). Phelps said, "This nation has institutionalized the most grievous sin (homosexuality)" and that God is taking vengeance on the United States through the killing of American soldiers and 9/11. Town Clerk and former selectman Thomas McNulty responded to the purported protest with anger. "If this group of kooks should present themselves in the town of Marblehead. I am sure they will be treated as they deserve to be treated, which is indifferently." He added, "I am appalled." Other state and town officials expressed similar opinions. Dick powers, spokesperson for the state Department of Veterans' Services, said, "It is sad and ironic they would choose to disrupt a private moment honoring the memory of someone killed defending their freedom of speech. While it may be their right, they have certainly crossed a moral line." Marblehead Veterans' Agent David Rodgers added that he hopes no attention is given to the group as to avoid acknowledging its message. Consequently, he said he is not aware of and won't be organizing any counter protests. Police Chief James Carney said his department is aware of the purported demonstration and is taking the necessary steps to ward off confrontation. "We are developing a plan and we will have a police presence at the funeral," he said. "We are very blessed (Piper) was part of this community. The police department fully intends to support his family and honor his service to our country." The protesters have also issued a proclamation to picket the funeral of Marine Capt. John Maloney of Chicopee. According to Phelps, for the past 15 years, members of the church have used their own money to picket schools, churches and funerals throughout the country. She said, "We have been to every state and seven other countries." The group converged on the town of Lexington two weeks ago in order to protest several churches and schools. Francine Edwards, pastoral associate of St. Brigid Catholic Church, said only 10 or so protestors arrived. She reported that ignoring the placards and the radicals resulted in a short 30-minute protest. "We just totally ignored them. The police were extremely organized just in case something happened." She said that most importantly, "Townspeople were urged not to confront them at all."
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