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Showing results for tags 'funeral'.
Found 22 results
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I don't post much but I have to share this. I went to my 4th PGR mission today at DFW National and while waiting for the briefing a medium sized HD (maybe a Dyna, I think bigger than a Sportster, not really sure, I was looking at the guy in amazement) came tooling by ridden by a guy with his right arm completely missing. Turns out he was part of the escort for the hero and part of the funeral party so I didn't get a chance to talk to him or look at his bike closer. Yall may have seen this before but it was a new one on me. I'm still slack jawed about it. He was a real slim dude, too. Couldn't have weighted over 150 lbs. Maybe less. I was impressed. Just Jim
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Last week I participated in my first mission. It was a KIA. I knew what the PGR is about but I didn't expect to be emotionally drained afterwards. When I saw the flag drapped coffin being unloaded from the plane it almost put me on my knees. I can't imagine what the family was feeling. Since the mission was local I went to the airport for the arrival of the body, stood in the flag line at the viewing at the funeral home and rode in the funeral possession. There were over 150 motorcycles that showed up. It was an awesome display of caring. The Westboro Church posted on their web site that they were going to be at the church the day of the funeral, but they didn't show up. One of the ride captains said she hadn't seen any of the WBC people show up in about two years. They had a permit to picket at a church in Marietta, GA. The church was a small church and when they realized how many PGR riders were coming they realized they couldn't handle all of them so they moved the services to the First Baptist Church in Marietta. When the Westboro people showed up at the small church no one was there. They found out the services had been moved to the First Bapist Church so they went there but were told they didn't have a permit there and would be arrested if they didn't leave. I talked to a guy from Phenix City, Al that said he bad been on the road for 14 days going to missions. I told him I didn't expect to experience the emotional drain and he said you never get used to it. Go Patriot Guard!
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Bagpipes at a funeral....... As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentuckyback country. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play. The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. played like I've never played before for this homeless man. And as I played 'Amazing Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full. As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years." Apparently I'm still lost.... it's a man thing
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just got back last night from the funeral and a small vist with 2 of my best girls my daughter Amber and Dianne. the funeral for my friends daughter went well. then some time with my girls. and i got to see a picture of dianne,s boyfriend. hansome guy can a man say another guy is hansome? any ways. he got his insurance check from his stolen items that i talked about a few post,s back. he is now going to hold onto that money and look for a venture!! see i can talk some pepole into buying one of these great bikes. i warned him about the 83 frame problems and the second gear problems. and advised him to maybe go 86 and up. so looks like next spring we may have a new member?
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Washington (CNN) -- A Kansas church that attracted nationwide attention for its angry, anti-gay protests at the funerals of U.S. military members has won its appeal at the Supreme Court, an issue testing the competing constitutional rights of free speech and privacy. The justices, by an 8-1 vote, said Wednesday that members of Westboro Baptist Church had a right to promote what they call a broad-based message on public matters such as wars. The father of a fallen Marine had sued the small church, saying those protests amounted to targeted harassment and an intentional infliction of emotional distress. "Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and -- as it did here -- inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority. At issue was a delicate test between the privacy rights of grieving families and the free speech rights of demonstrators, however disturbing and provocative their message. Several states have attempted to impose specific limits on when and where the church members can protest. The church, led by pastor Fred Phelps, believes God is punishing the United States for "the sin of homosexuality" through events including soldiers' deaths. Members have traveled the country shouting at grieving families at funerals and displaying such signs as "Thank God for dead soldiers," "God blew up the troops" and "AIDS cures fags." http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/3.0/mosaic/bttn_close.gif http://www.cnn.com/video/us/2010/10/07/am.seg.snyder.funeral.protest.cnn.640x360.jpg http://www.cnn.com/video/us/2010/10/07/am.seg.snyder.funeral.protest.cnn.640x360.jpg2010: Free speech vs. privacy http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/3.0/mosaic/bttn_close.gif http://www.cnn.com/video/crime/2010/10/06/bts.scotus.religion.speech.cnn.640x360.jpg http://www.cnn.com/video/crime/2010/10/06/bts.scotus.religion.speech.cnn.640x360.jpg2010: Church says arguments went well http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/3.0/mosaic/bttn_close.gif http://www.cnn.com/video/bestoftv/2010/12/07/exp.nr.westboro.church.demo.cnn.640x360.jpg http://www.cnn.com/video/bestoftv/2010/12/07/exp.nr.westboro.church.demo.cnn.640x360.jpg2010: Vet accused of stalking church http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/3.0/mosaic/bttn_close.gif http://www.cnn.com/video/us/2008/03/31/ramos.ks.phelps.protest.wibw.576x324.jpg http://www.cnn.com/video/us/2008/03/31/ramos.ks.phelps.protest.wibw.576x324.jpg2008: Protesting Fred Phelps RELATED TOPICS Westboro Baptist Church Fred Phelps U.S. Supreme Court Westboro members had appeared outside the 2006 funeral for Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder in Westminster, Maryland, outside Baltimore. Snyder's family sued the church in 2007, alleging invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy. A jury awarded the family $2.9 million in compensatory damages plus $8 million in punitive damages, which were later reduced to $5 million. The church appealed the case in 2008 to a federal appeals court, which reversed the judgments a year later, siding with the church's allegations that its First Amendment rights were violated. Albert Snyder, Matthew's father, said his son was not gay and the protesters should not have been at the funeral. "I was just shocked that any individual could do this to another human being," Snyder told CNN. "I mean, it was inhuman." Church members say their broader message was aimed at the unspecified actions of the military and those who serve in it. They believe U.S. soldiers deserve to die because they fight for a country that tolerates homosexuality. Roberts in his opinion noted the Snyder family was not a "captive audience" to the protests that were conducted several hundred yards away. "Westboro stayed well away from the memorial service," wrote Roberts. "Snyder could see no more than the tops of the signs when driving to the funeral. And there is no indication that the picketing itself in any way interfered with the funeral itself." Based on that the court concluded Snyder could not collect damages from Westboro. But the chief justice showed little sympathy for the message Westboro promotes. "Westboro believes that America is morally flawed; many Americans might feel the same about Westboro. Westboro's funeral picketing is certainly hurtful and its contribution to public discourse may be negligible," he said. However, "As a nation we have chosen a different course -- to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate." The ruling was a narrow one, dealing with the specific, unusual facts of this appeal. Such vocal protests at military funerals are almost entirely confined to this one small group. Roberts said on the free speech question, it was enough to rely on "limited principles that sweep no more broadly than the appropriate context of the instant case." Only Justice Samuel Alito dissented. He said the church's "outrageous conduct caused petitioner great injury, and the court now compounds that injury by depriving petitioner of a judgment that acknowledges the wrong he suffered," he said. "In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated, it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims like petitioner." The Supreme Court has never addressed the specific issue of laws designed to protect the "sanctity and dignity of memorial and funeral services," as well as the privacy of family and friends of the deceased. But the high court has recognized the state's interest in protecting people from unwanted protests or communications while in their homes. The justices were being asked to address how far states and private entities like cemeteries and churches can go to justify picket-free zones and the use of "floating buffers" to silence or restrict the speech or movements of demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights in a funeral setting. A majority of states across the nation have responded to the protests with varying levels of control over the Westboro church protesters. In Wednesday's case, 48 states and dozens of members of Congress filed an amicus brief in support of the Snyders. John Ellsworth, chairman of Military Families United, said that military protects the First Amendment rights that members of Westboro use to protest. "Gold Star families deserve the respect of a grateful nation, not hate from a group who chooses to demonstrate during the funeral of their loved one," he said. "My family has been on the receiving end of their hate and I assure all Gold Star families, this group is an anomaly and your sacrifice does not go without notice." Church members told the court they have a duty to protest and picket at certain events, including funerals, to promote their religious message: "That God's promise of love and heaven for those who obey him in this life is counterbalanced by God's wrath and hell for those who do not obey him." The congregation is made up mostly of Fred Phelps and his family. The pastor has 13 children, and at least 54 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He described himself as an "old-time" gospel preacher in a CNN interview in 2006, saying, "You can't preach the Bible without preaching the hatred of God." Church members have participated in several hundred protests across the country. In 2009, the high court blocked Missouri's effort to enforce a specific law aimed at the Westboro church. Phelps, daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper and other church members had protested near the August 2005 funeral of a soldier in St. Joseph, Missouri. State lawmakers later passed the "Spc. Edward Lee Myers Law," criminalizing picketing "in front of or about" a funeral location or procession. The case decided Wednesday is Snyder v. Phelps (09-751).
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A woman was leaving a convenience store with her morning coffee when she noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby cemetery. A black hearse was followed by a second black hearse about 50 feet behind the first one. Behind the second hearse was a solitary woman walking a dog on a leash. Behind her, a short distance back, were about 200 women walking single file. The woman couldn't stand the curiosity. She respectfully approached the woman walking the dog and said, "I am so sorry for your loss, and this may be a bad time to disturb you, but I've never seen a funeral like this. "Whose funeral is it?" "My husband's." ''What happened to him?" The woman replied, "He yelled at me and my dog attacked and killed him." She inquired further, "But who is in the second hearse?" The woman answered, "My mother-in-law. She was trying to help my husband when the dog turned on her." A very poignant and touching moment of sisterhood and silence passed between the two women. "Can I borrow the dog?" The woman replied, "Get in line." :rotfl:
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A man was leaving a convenience store with his morning coffee when he noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby cemetery. A black hearse was followed by a second black hearse about 50 feet behind the first one. Behind the second hearse was a solitary man walking a dog on a leash. Behind him, a short distance back, were about 200 men walking single file. The man couldn't stand the curiosity. He respectfully approached the man walking the dog and said, "I am so sorry for your loss, and this may be a bad time to disturb you, but I've never seen a funeral like this. Whose funeral is it?" "My wife's." ''What happened to her?" The man replied, "My dog attacked and killed her." He inquired further, "But who is in the second hearse?" The man answered, "My mother-in-law. She was trying to help my wife when the dog turned on her." A very poignant and touching moment, of brotherhood and silence, passed between the two men. "Can I borrow the dog?" The man replied, "Get in line."
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Yesterday was my fathers funeral and it was very moving to see how maney people came to say good by. It was speacially nice to see Marcarl (Carl) and Chabicheka (Abdul) make an appearance. I also Wish to thank all of you who through these past three months have prayed for my Father or sent their best wishes for Him. It all meant alot to me. During the funeral The priest came to me and asked if I would have a few words to say in honour of my Dad. Getting up and speaking in front of a lot off people was not something I am comfortable with but for some reason two nights before while taking a shower words started to pop into my head and stranger still I felt a need to write them down. Before going to the funeral I printed off the words I wrote and stuck them in my pocket. Lucky for me I did. I know it is not much but I would like to share these words with all of you. IN MEMORY OF my FATHER Dad was not just a Father and a Husband, He was more. He was the closest of friends, a teacher, and a mentor and when needed a firm hand. To our Mother he was even more. To Him Mom was his whole world. Dad’s life was not always easy but together with Mom, they always managed to somehow move forward and do the best they could. Dad was always big about values, such as honesty and integrity. He would always say that any job worth doing, was worth doing right. For me that meant to always try to put quality into any job I tackled. When I performed any type of construction or wood work, I could feel Dad judging my work and I suspect I always will. Dad however was not just about work. He was about closeness of family, nature and all living things. Some of my fondest memory’s are of Sunday hikes, up the old 16 mile creek, with one or more of the Airedale Terriers, that Dad raised and bred. There were the toboggan trips in winter, on one of Dads homemade sleds. If there were no hills handy leave it to Dad to make a dog harness to pull us up and down the road by one of the dogs. There were also the trips to dog shows, were Dad could be found often helping others with advice and tips to bring out the best in there dog, despite the fact that he would be competing against them in the show ring. I have seen dad on more than one occasion walk out of the ring with 1st prize saying that he did not deserve it, that one of the other dog, in his opinion, was better, and even go so far as to question the judge, on his decision. He was definitely a rare man. There were years worth of trips to Huntsville, where we had a trailer in the forest, by a spring fed lake, where we spent much time and where Dad always seemed to be happiest and at peace with himself. Dad was a big believer in passing it forward long before it became an expression. His biggest example is when after WWII he joined the marines to go to Indonesia to help free that country of invaders just as the allied forces helped free Holland from occupation. If you ever asked Dad to define war, he would say “”War is when men fought men, who under different circumstances could just as easily become good friends””. When he told stories about the war it was usually about tough times, sad times, and humorous times. Rarely did he talk about the most dreadful of times. I am not sure what the future will be like without Dad in it, but I do know he will be dearly missed by family and friends but never lost or forgotten.
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The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just gotten married for the fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband's occupation. "He's a funeral director," she answered. "Interesting," the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her early 20's, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40's, and a preacher when in her 60's, and now in her 80's, a funeral director. The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers. She smiled and explained; "I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go."
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Hey Folks, As many of you know right now Ponch's dad passed away Saturday morning somewhat unexpectedly. David and I have been talking daily and he very much appreciates all the prayers and good vibes you have been sending to he and his family. I am posting up the funeral details here for those that are interested. The viewing will be in Tuesday 6-15-10 from 6 to 8 pm @ The Waco Memorial Funeral Home http://www.wacomemorial.com/ addy is 7537 I35 S exit 328 Hewitt rd. David had mentioned the outpouring of support and that it's taken his mother aback to a certain extent. Flowers aren't necessary, but you folks will have to make your own decision on that. Dave Pankow and I will be heading up to Waco after work tomorrow and if there are any in the Houston crew that would like to tag along we'll have my wagon and will stuff it as full as we can. Hope to see some of our members there, please keep David and his family in your thoughts, Davids fathers name was James Weldon Warren.
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Joyce's brother passed away this week. Please keep her and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with their loss. Funeral arrangements will be: visitation Thursday April 8th from 4-8pm funeral services will be Friday 9th at 10am At the moment I only have the funeral homes name - French's Funeral Home located somewhere in Albuquerque, N.M. 1111 University Blvd N E, Albuquerque, NM, 87102 I'm assuming he'll have a military funeral as he spent 20 years in the Air Force. The highlight of his career there was a stint with Air Force One Larry
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I learned late Friday night that James Bougher, one of my local riding buddies, fellow brother F.O.E. Eagle Rider Group Secretary/Treasurer, and friend passed away suddenly Thursday morning due to a Heart Attack. He is survived by his wife and two small children. Please keep his family in your prayers. His funeral will be held Monday and the Aerie 714 F.O.E. Riders Group will be escorting the funeral procession.
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Went to a CMA and PGR funeral friday. The man was 84 years old. He was married before he was drafted in 1943. His wife died a year after their 11 child was born. He never remarried and raised all eleven children by himself. He had 11 children, 31 grand children, 70 great grand children, 4 great great grand children for a total of 116 descendants. Quite a MAN! tew47
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Don't want to start anything but if any Ohio members are able to help a family grieve in piece my friend a Marine sent me this Family of Fallen Marine Hero Needs Your Help!!!Share Yesterday at 11:15am Please read the note that I received below and help if you can! This Marine faught and died for people like the ones described below to have the right to protest. This being said, I feel we have a duty to shield the family from these types of people. Please read the note below and join me either on the procession path or in the Human Wall! Here is the note that I received: "Last week, October 20, a 22 year old Marine from Painesville Township was killed in Afghanistan. He is coming home today. Saturday is going to be his funeral at Zion Lutheran Church on Mentor Ave in Painesville (across from Lake Erie College) at 11 am. The funeral procession on Saturday will leave Monreal Funeral Home on Curtis Blvd in Eastlake, travel to route 90, go to Vrooman Road and go North on Vrooman Rd. The procession will go left on 84 to drive past Riverside High School where Lance Cpl David Baker went to school. They will continue past the school going west on East Walnut (84) and continue through to Mentor Avenue. They will then turn East on Mentor Ave (Left) to go to the church. The funeral procession is expcted to leave the funeral home between 9:45 and 10am Saturday morning and to arrive at the church Saturday by 11am. Here is the part that really just frosts me. I dont know how many people are familiar with the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS. They have been in the news several times. This "church" has decided to travel to the funeral to protest outside the church during services. They say they protest these funerals because "soldiers are dying for the homosexual and other sins of America. God is now America's enemy and God Himself is fighting against America". That is a direct quote from their "preacher"-a man named Westboro. He is known for preaching messages about homophobia and anti-Semitism. This family is going to the church to grieve for their son - a son who died far away in another country doing what he felt he had to do. Whether you believe in the war or not, he died and his family is grieving. The last thing in the world they need to see as they step out of the limosine at the church is a group of radicals shouting at them and protesting their son and his death. I am of the opinion that, if enough people gather at the church PEACEFULLY, we can form a human wall between the family and this group. They wont have to see them, they wont have to hear them, they wont even need to acknowledge them. They can go in to the church to grieve and bury their son - which should be their only priority that day." I will be there. Will you join me? Buddy (Sgt Raddatz, USMC)
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I went to a funeral today of a very dear lady and friend whom I've known all my life from our church. I don't think she ever had any enemys as she loved everyone. Our preacher is from Florida and he is good natured and the lady who died (Jimmylee) loved to pick at him about the LSU tigers and him a Florida fan. He told the story today of how she would be going down the road and see a sign for LSU and say lets get that and put it in the preachers yard. So, she let it be know to the family and the preacher that she wanted an LSU funeral and her family obliged her today. The grandsons as paulbearer's wore LSU polo shirts and an assisting pastor wore his LSU tie and the Precher said he never thought he would preach in an orange shirt but he did today in honour of her. It was a good funeral service and here are some pics. The preachers came out blurry, sorry. Notice the LSU color casket flowers and a stand reef at the head of the grave in LSU colors.
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Visitation will be at the Gilmartin Funeral Home on Main Street in Batavia New York on Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00. The funeral will be Friday at 10:00 at the church directly across from his house on Drake Road in Oakfield NY. I wiull try to get a better address for you later, Becky made the call and didn't get the exact details...
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I don't know how often I'll be able to check in today. We got slammed with an ice storm and it took my internet out. I have a wireless service at home and apparently the transmitter on top of the tower somewhere is encased in ice and has my service shut down. They couldn't tell me how long. They can't get up the towner to clear the ice. So...I'm sitting in the car now in town where I could get a WIFI signal to check my messages. I'll check in when I can but if you have a problem, please understand that I may not reply as quick as I usually do. My mother in law's funeral is tomorrow so I'll be pretty much tied up tomorrow also. Step father's funeral was yesterday in Texas. I didn't make it but my brother has reported that all went as well as can be expected. Thanks to all of you for the condolences.
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Well I finally got up the courage to watch the video of Leslie's funeral. I think that's the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. I know it seems like a weird thing to do, to video a funeral, but since I wasn't able to attend in person I needed to be able to see it for myself. The next day I went to the cemetery to visit the grave site. I think watching the video made going to the cemetery a little easier but not much. Today I went and looked at my bike for the first time since the accident. I don't know how I managed to survive this. The front wheel is pushed back into the radiator. The gas tank is almost flat on top. The G2 bars are bent. The windshield is gone. The headlight, passing lights and turn signals are gone. The fairing is toast. What a mess.
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Funeral Arrangements I just received info about the funeral ...it will be held this Saturday the time has not been confirmed as of yet but the visitation are on Thursday and Friday night Thursday from 7pm to 9pm Friday from 12pm to 2pm Anyone wishing to send a card or flowers can send them to Reid Funeral Home 87 Maidstone Avenue East Essex, ON. Canada N8M 2J3 Condolence's can also to emailed to http://www.reidfuneralhome.ca/current.asp under Leslie Nantais I'll have to get back to everyone for the time for the funeral. Again thanks to everyone for their concerns it's much appreciated. Bruce Bruce, Let me know if there is ANY THING we can do for you, or the family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
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Saturday morning Darryl and myself, as of now, will be riding down to the funeral. Departure time will be determined by the funeral time and the weather. I will post back here by Thursday night as to the time and meeting place if anyone else is interested in riding with us. Please post and let me know if you are interested. Hal
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Margaret Ryan Hope died at the age of 90 on 4-17-07 Grandma as I called her was a very life loveing strong willed Irish Lady that I and everyone that ever got to know her Loved very very much. She is survived by her Husband of 67 years of marriage and had dated for 6 years prior to getting married. A daughter Maureene and Son Tommy 4 grandchildren Margaret is the oldest and 2 great gand children. The funeral mass was performed by Father (cousin) Bobby Father Ed and Father Melvin of the pasionist order. At the Holy Family Catholic church in Staten Island N.Y on 4-21-07
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I'd like to pay tribute to Calvin Jenks. Mr. Jenks was the Tennessee State Trooper who was shot to death last weekend by suspects allegedly running drugs in Tipton County. By all accounts, Calvin Jenks was exactly the kind of person we would want to go to into law enforcement. His colleagues say that he was inspired by his grandfather who was also a state trooper and they say Calvin Jenks loved what he was doing. The Christmas pictures of Mr. Jenks and his new wife, Sarah Beth, are heartbreaking. We can only imagine the wonderful times that were ahead for them. The minister who presided at his funeral said that if any good can come out of this tragedy, it's to remind us to thank the men and women who work hard and pay the price so that we can go about our daily lives. So yes, thank you to all of them and especially to the family of Calvin Jenks.
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