I’m home from the funeral and burial of another too-young fallen Soldier — 19 year-old PFC Amy Duerksen of Temple, TX.
I’m emotionally and physically exhausted, but it was an honor to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders again — I am overwhelmed by their patriotism and willingness to pay honor to those who gave all defending us.
Fred Phelps and his “Church” were on hand to spread their hate, but fortunatley the church, the Temple Police Department, and the Patriot Guard Riders did an outstanding job of shielding the family from them.
From someone who knew Amy:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the incredible honor you gave Amy. I have never seen such a show of patriotism before. From early this week I followed your postings and was impressed by how many said they were coming.
I can’t adequately describe what I felt when I saw all of you there. Your flags were beautiful, your mission incredible and your presence comforting. I was proud of you and proud of our country today. This was a hard day for those of us who knew Amy but you gave us a priceless gift by honoring her with your mission. God bless all of you.
It was an honor.
______________
As with each funeral, and with each Patriot Guard mission, there are so many small moments that stick in your mind —
- On the way to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, there was one Suburban that pulled over on the opposite side of the road, and two young ladies got out and stood by the side of the road with their hands over their hearts as the long funeral procession rode by. As we were just outside the gates of Ft. Hood, I couldn’t help wondering if they were the wives of Soldiers.
- The Army Chaplain who walked our formation on his way into the church service, with a firm and sincere salute. When a man in uniform salutes a group who’s not, it’s humbling.
- After the burial service, the woman who grabbed my arm as I was walking back to my bike — she quitely thanked me, and asked me my name. She hugged me as she thanked me again, “Thank you, Robbie.”
***
From a fellow Soldier who was at the funeral:
My name is Rod Petersen and I am a CW3 with 4ID at Fort Hood. I have been friends with the Duerken family for years. Today I attended the funeral of their youngest daughter Amy. She was a 19 year old PFC who was killed in Iraq.
I was extremely upset when I found out that there were going to be protesters at her funeral. I understand that the freedoms we defend allow them to do this I just feel that that was an inappropriate forum for their protest. But today when I arrived at the church I saw the Patriot Guard Riders standing silently outside the church lining the drive where the funeral procession was. It seemed that everyone of them had a flag.
Seeing those bikers standing respectfully outside the church was an extremely moving site. I myself have been to Iraq twice and will soon be leaving for a third tour. I can honestly say that I was proud and honored to be there with those bikers. I don’t know if anyone said anything at the funeral, but I appreciated it. Every one that was there in uniform appreciated it. And I know the family appreciated it also. Thank you for your support and keep up the good work.
You’re welcome. It’s what we do.
Linked at Mudville Gazette and Samantha Burns
Having seen some news clips about the reprehensible activities of Phelps and the WBC, I thought I should learn more. It is now 2 AM in the morning on the 18th and I cannot seem to rest. I am physically incensed by the depravity of this organization that claims to know and love God.
I am proud to call myself both a Christian and a U.S. Army Soldier, and after reading for about the last three hours page after page about Phelps and his band of misguided and despicable protestors, I stumbled across the PGR page and read more about what you and the PGR do. More specifically, I came across what you did for PFC Duerkson just a few short hours ago a mere 4 miles away from where I live.
I have but one regret - that I did not read this earlier so that I could come out to the Veteran’s Cemetery and personally shake your hand, as well as those who rode with you today…and render an eager salute to you and what you guys do. Thanks - you have restored my faith in my country - for every crazed lunatic like Phelps, there are thousands like you but few willing to give of their free time to do what you do.
I too served in Iraq for a tour, have sent soldiers home in body bags and know that as I prepare for another tour over there in a few short months that I will regrettably still have to send more home in the same manner. And though seeing and hearing about appalling and disgusting acts performed by the likes of Phelps makes me take pause to question if I have foolishly pledged my life to defend even Phelps right to speak such vile things and take part in such horrible mockeries of the ultimate sacrifices that those who wear the uniform with me have made, I am now comforted by the homage and service that the honorable PGR heroes provide.
As I go back to Iraq, I will go knowing that though I am pledged to defend freedoms and our way of life even when it means tolerating people whose actions and words make my blood boil, that I, in fact, go to defend freedoms more for those like you who will choose what is right and good. Thank God for the PGR and thank you for your service to my fallen comrades in arms. Some day I hope to be able to shake your hand and salute you….for now, please accept my deepest thanks.
Left by MAJ Scott Taylor on March 18th, 2006 at 3:53 am