Oregon Lays a Hero to Rest (VIDEO)

Hate protestors from Kansas stayed home, getting cold feet rightfully influenced by the thousands of veterans on hand. Oregon is the first state to intimidate them out of attending, many hope it isn't the last.

Photo By: Tim King

(REDMOND) - Oregon laid a hero to rest Saturday. U.S. Army Private First Class Thomas Tucker of Madras, Oregon was killed in Iraq. He was a member of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Tom Tucker was loved by thousands in this rural central Oregon community.

It was a sad, yet triumphant day for Oregonians, who celebrated this hero’s life while guarding and insuring the honor that he earned on the battlefield.

There are few people who have not heard the name Thomas Tucker. His friend, Pfc. Kristian Menchaca was also captured and later killed in Iraq. A third soldier was immediately killed when their outpost was attacked.

The Army still isn't saying why they put four soldiers in such a dangerous, vulnerable position.

Members of the Oregon Veteran’s Motorcycle Association have been escorting the remains of soldiers in Oregon and Washington consistently since the first Gulf War.

Along with members of the Patriot Guard, A.B.A.T.E. and several other motorcycle clubs and organizations turned to attend the service and pay tribute.

One of the reasons the motorcycle riders turned out in such strong numbers, might be the announcement that an anti-gay hate group was coming from Kansas to protest the funeral.

The Westboro Baptist Church out of Topeka Kansas is led by the notorious reverend Fred Phelps. They announced their plans to protest at Thomas Tucker’s service last week. An anti-gay hate group, they operate a Web site called godhatesfags.com and picket and harass the families of fallen soldiers and Marines carrying signs that read “Thank God for dead soldiers."

Salem-News.com broke the story last week, and Deschutes County Commissioners sprang into action, deciding that the protestors would be kept in the parking lot. Interviewed numerous times by national news, their allegation is that God is punishing the United States for condoning homosexuality.

Right wing talk show hosts like Sean Hannity and Lars Larson, inadvertently joined forces with progressive voices in condemning the actions of the group. The hate group's off the wall rhetoric has been truly anti-polarizing for millions of Americans, who realize that middle ground is indeed in sight if you look for it.

When Saturday rolled around, Oregonians learned that they had what it took to give the hate group cold feet, and the Westboro Baptist Church was a no-show.

During the service, Oregon’s Governor Ted Kulongoski spoke to the crowd at length about Tom Tucker’s accomplishments, and how much his legacy will mean to not just those he left behind in Madras, but to all Oregonians, and all Americans.

The fallen soldier and former firefighter’s sister told a story about how Tom approached a new kid on the first day of school to be sure he knew where he classes were.

She said her brother always lived at a level that was above and beyond the call, helping others whenever possible.

Tom Tucker’s story is one that has been played out in this small Oregon town time and time again in history. WW1, WWII, Korea, and in another conflict that never strays too far from the minds of Americans called Vietnam. Then there is Desert Storm.

The bikers say they will make it to every soldier’s funeral, guarding and protecting their legacy, a legacy that they as veterans understand. They stress that it isn’t about politics at this point, it is only about honoring our own.

And they hope that Oregon’s turnout, one so bold and strong that it kept a group of protestors who travel the nation at bay, sends a message around the nation that disrespect has no place at a hero’s funeral.

Watch the video story below the related articles.
Related articles on Salem-News.com
Anti-Gay Demonstrators Told to Stay Away From Oregon Soldier's Funeral Service
Group Claims Responsibility For Kidnapping Two Americans
Statement From the Family of PFC Thomas L. Tucker
Oregon Soldier Missing in Iraq

Here is the video report from Salem-News.com's Tim King.
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