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A bright yellow “Don’t tread on me” flag stood out against a protective blanket of red, white and blue flags and posters, effectively symbolizing the defiant, patriotic atmosphere outside East Hill Church of God in Christ in Pensacola on June 22. It was a scene where hundreds of Americans lined the street, forming a human barrier outside the funeral ceremony for fallen soldier, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jesse Lamar Thomas Jr., who died June 10 while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistran. The counter protestors were geared up for the arrival of Westboro Baptist, a Kansas-based group renowned for inflammatory pickets at military funerals.
The Patriot Guard Riders and hundreds of others came out to counter a planned protest at the funeral of Army Staff Sergeant Jesse Thomas’ funeral June 22 in Pensacola.
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