National Veterans Foundation

Before leaving the military to head back home to California, I told my very first roommate, Joseph Vanek, that once he’s out of the military I’d visit him in Chicago. 14 months later that promise has been fulfilled, but under different circumstances, to pay my last respects to a great Paratrooper and friend.

News channels have covered stories before of certain protesters who picket fallen service member’s funerals. Such a story would be of Albert Snyder, who’s son Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder was killed in Iraq and the fundamentalist church group, Topeka based – Westboro Baptist Church, demonstrated and picketed his funeral. The protesters held up signs which read “God hates you” to “You’re going to hell” and many others. Lawsuits were filed and Albert Snyder was awarded $11 million

The First Amendment gives everyone the right of religion, speech, petition, or assembly. These protestors have the right of speech, but how much right should an individual have? Should an individual have as much as they want, protesting and interrupting funerals? Where, as individuals, do we draw the line? How far is too far? The First Amendment gives everyone the right of religion. The fundamentalist claim that God is punishing our service members for America’s toleration of immorality, such as same sex unions. Personally, I do not agree with same sex unions, but these fundamentalist do not have to picket the funerals of service members. I for one am of Christian faith and the Bible states this in the book of John 13:34 – “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” So why picket a funeral? If these fundamentalist refer to themselves as Christians, why deviate from what the Bible states?

Now my story:

The day of Joe’s wake, Patriot Guard Riders formed a human wall in front of the funeral home entranceThese Patriots stood out in the cold drizzle for a solid 8 hours, giving us a peaceful opportunity to see Joe one last time. It was apparent that there weren’t any protestors near the funeral home and weren’t any interruptions either. The following day, the Patriot Guard Riders formed a blockade in front of the church and neighboring intersections. I along with other friends drove around to find parking due to a great number of vehicles. We drove down the main road passing a group of protestors waving their signs. Their presence disgusted and gave us mixed emotions, but all had agreed the protestors should at least respect others especially at a time such as this. From the church to the cemetery, the Patriot Guard Riders had done an exceptionally awesome job. SGT. Joseph Vanek got a funeral that he deserved, a very peaceful, family and friend oriented, a time to remember him and a line of Harley’s accompanying him to where he went (he wanted to get a Harley when he got out of the military).

SGT. Vanek was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq by small arms fire during a mission. He was a member of C Co, 2/325^th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82^nd Airborne Division. He was a Squad Leader who’s men greatly respected him and would never be afraid to go to combat with him. Rest in peace bro, you’ll be missed.