Oregon's Pfc. Cody Patterson Memorial Attended by Thousands

Many hundreds of motorcycles roared in and filled the parking areas.

Several motorcycle clubs came together for this special event. Photo by Austin King Salem-News.com

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - About 5,000 people are estimated to have been at the memorial service in Corvallis today to show their respect for an Oregon man killed by a suicide bomber on Oct 6 in Afghanistan. Philomath High School graduate Pfc. Cody James Patterson's memorial service was held at Oregon State University’s LaSells Stewart Center.

In addition to the thousands of family, friends and community members attending, were several Oregon Motorcycle Clubs and non-club members, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other patriotic citizens to honor Cody Patterson.

Hundreds of Salem area motorcycle club members gathered about an hour before the event. They said they were pleased to be involved in the memorial for Pfc. Patterson. It was a beautiful clear day, but that was just a bonus for these bikers.

"It wouldn't have mattered to any of these people, if it was terrible weather, they'd have still been here," said Quiet Mike with the Confederation of Clubs. Other bikers nodded in agreement.

Fallen soldiers bring forth a duty that is undeniable for many, especially for those who have served their country.

"We're mostly Veterans," said Quiet Mike. "We are a patriotic group, and when we heard about that Westboro Church wanting to come, well it is important that the family doesn't have to put up with that. We're going to help make sure they are protected from the negativity, if necessary."

The Patriot Guard was standing at attention when we arrived, with hundreds of bikers joining the parade route, American flags held high. All types of motorcycle clubs and independent groups were represented, all were there for Cody Patterson.

The Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas is an antagonistic group that has picketed many funerals of U.S. Servicemen, showing their disdain for the decisions of the government through offensive signage and loud, insulting chanting and yelling. This has been going on for years, and it seems they've not grown tired of threatening to show up and make a difficult period for a grieving family even more difficult.

Army Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, 24, of Philomath, Ore. Photo courtesy U.S. Army

Today, they did not come to Corvallis. Or, they did not show themselves.

"Well, I was kind of hoping they would," laughed one man at the event. "I'd have loved to see their reaction to this!" He gestured to the streets, sometimes a dozen people deep waving flags and holding up signs in support of Cody Patterson as far as the eye could see.

Cody Patterson was 24. He was the captain of the school's football team when he was a senior. He won the Mr. PHS pageant in 2007, the year he graduated.

It was just after graduation that he enlisted. At the time of his death, he was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Inside the event, Cody's father, Randy, spoke of fate, and how Cody was always meant to be in the Army. His friend, Tyler Lewis, wore red tennis shoes that Cody would have appreciated.

Cody's sister, Nicole, said, “How do you find words to say how amazing and phenomenal Cody was as a human? As a brother? As a son? As a cousin? As a friend? As an uncle? There just aren’t words big enough for that.”

She spoke of his sense of humor, "he was one of the funniest peeople I've ever met", but added that he would be "humbled by all this", in regard to the magnitude of the turnout.

The chaplain for the 75th Ranger Regiment, Major Brian Koyn, hosted the event, and read letters from Cody’s friends, and ended with a passage attributed to Native American Chief Tecumseh:

"When it comes your time to die,
be not like those whose hearts
Are filled with fear of death,
so that when their time comes
They weep and pray for a little more time to
live their lives over again
In a different way.
Sing your death song and
die like a hero going come."

Bonnie King has been Publisher of Salem-News.com since August '04. She is a photographer and video producer, writer, editor and mother, which she considers her greatest position. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER).

Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers and readers alike. An lifetime activist for just causes, she continues to strive to present facts that support Truth, Justice and Peace, as we are in the world to change the world for the better. "TJP"

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