Gone, But Not Forgotten

I did not know SGT Donna Johnson, her family, or anyone that worked with her. Through Facebook, I was informed that some protestors affiliated with the Westboro Baptist Church were going to show up on a day that her family and friends would be laying her to rest. Several local people were calling for a human wall to be created in order to shield the family from the likely hurtful things this group would shout and display on posters. It didn't take long for me to decide to load up the kids and join my community to wrap the church, family, and friends in honor.

I believe they were targeting her funeral because she was gay. I'm sorry, but who cares? What does that have to do with anything she did for our country? What does that have to do with how or why she died? It just makes me sick that people decide to do something like this, especially when people like Donna fight for the right that protestors can actually protest. The right to gather in such a way is an American right and I understand that, but I also think respect for the dead, especially those dying in uniform should be an American virtue. One that is upheld regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and yes...sexual orientation.

Regardless of someone's view on any of the above, when a service member dies in combat it is a national tragedy. It is likely unexpected news for their loved ones surrounded with many uncertainties, questions, and tough decisions to be made in a short amount of time. To have someone or a group of people intentionally make life harder for you at that mourning moment is not something to be taken lightly. On Saturday, the people of Raeford, many from the Fort Bragg community, and even from other areas of North Carolina and across state lines, joined together to take a stand against those who have seemingly lost focus of what a military funeral with full honors should be like.

Here are some pictures I was able to get while we stood across the street from the church.

She was baptized and grew up here. She could have been buried in Arlington, but her family wanted her close to home.

Family and friends arrived and a path was cleared for them. Different biker groups came out to support as well.

These buses stopped in front of us and unloaded troops that were attending the funeral.

The large group was a gathering of the Patriot Guard.

Then they broke up and grabbed flags and surrounded the church, standing shoulder to shoulder, facing out.

Others joined in.

This was the area we were in. (Sorry the pictures have some spots on them. I've been using our older camera and it seems like there are water spots inside in the lense.)

Some marines from Camp Lejeune.

I'm not sure who was walking through the crowd. It could have been family, friends, or outside supporters, but as they walked through everyone was silent. They made their way down this street to Main Street. Shortly after that I heard various noises and cheering, hollering, and music from a couple blocks away. I later learned that was where the protestors were stationed. They have to stay a certain distance away from the church, so they wound up on the street where the family would proceed to the cemetery. That street just happens to be the same street that Donna's parents live on, in her childhood home.

When the boys were growing restless, we walked in that direction.

Once we got there, the protestors were long gone. I later heard of only one confrontation. Apparently one of the protestors was stomping on the American Flag and a supporter went after him. When we got to this area, the street was lined like it would be for a parade.

This was the support the family got to see from their car windows as they made there way to the cemetery. We were instructed to remain silent as they passed. No clapping or cheering. Simply physical presence. We didn't stay for that because the boys were restless again and I didn't want them creating a scene.

Then we walked back by the church and after two hours of showing our support, we went home.

An article in the local paper said that there were between 1,000 and 1,500 people that gathered that day. It's hard to explain how it made me feel. I was happy and proud of the turnout, but I was so sad for their loss. I cried on the way there, but not while we were there or the way home.

Fayetteville Observer Article

ABC 11 Local News Video

I think I was crying on the way there because I couldn't help but think that if something were to happen to Jesse (even though he's not active duty military anymore) I would want to feel nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing but support from EVERYONE around me. If you aren't going to support me and respect my time of mourning, don't show up. He and all active duty personnel, civilians, and contractors work every day to keep our country safe and maintain the rights and freedoms that make America what it is. They do this for EVERYONE, not just certain people. I would want to feel peace and love. I hope that Donna's family felt that on Saturday. I didn't know her, but I'm pretty sure I won't forget her.