Local soldier dies in Iraq

[Diane Amberg]

      That awful group (Phelps and cronies) desperately want attention.  Please don't give them any. You will never change the way they think.  Ignore them if they do show up. Turn your backs on them. Honor the soldier, keep him and his family on your minds. Please don't give Fred Phelps a second of your thoughts. Don't let them dilute, even for a moment, the love and honor you feel in your hearts. I expect Sgt. Mackey came through our Dover Air Force base on his way home. The returning military are treated with the great respect.
       If you can, turn out, line the streets and I'll be with you all in spirit.

[Mom70x7]

Are the kids getting out of school?

When the services were announced the first part of the week, I mentioned to administration that it would be good if West Elk could support the family. They were going to check into it, to see if it was appropriate.

I have forgotten to ask what the results were.

Someone this afternoon said the kids were told they could go with their parents.

Anyone have any other information?

Or an exact time?

[Lookatmeknow!!]

I did call the city office in Howard, and Pastor Robin Haines to see about the time.  The funeral is at 10:00 in Fredonia and the Patriot Guard can't go over 35-40 miles per hour on 400, so they were guess between 11:30 or 12:00.  Becky told me and that Danny was going to get a call from the funeral director when they hit 99 and by word of mouth they were going to try to tell everyone.  I am going to try to take my daycare kids and go down by the court house to honor SGT. Mackey and his family.  I do know that all the businesses in town are shutting down to pay their respects for the fallen soldier.  If you are out and about or know someone in a business maybe they could call you.  I would call you if I find out a closer time, just email me or something, my business number is 374-2420.  I haven't decided really how to explain to the kids about what we are going to do, but I will figure it out.  I just want to honor this wonderful man who gave so much for us.  So, that is all that I know!!

As for the school getting out, I didn't get any note from Severy Elementary, but I did hear that if they wanted to go that they would be excused.  Not sure if that is right, but that is just hear say.  I think that it would be so awesome, because these children are part of the school system.  And to show that we respect him would mean alot to his family.  This family is pretty new to this community and we need to welcome them with open arms, not only because of their loss, but because that is just the right thing to do.  But I am not to keen on the school system, and I expect that they will not dismiss school especially after all of the school that they have. 

[Rudy Taylor]

If you see me taking pictures, please don't think I'm being disrespectful.  I want to make sure the family gets plenty of photos showing the huge turnout of community members, friends and fellow veterans.

For the life of me, I can't think where the cemetery is located.  Anyone help me out?

[frawin]

Rudy, go a block West of Main Street and go South, past the Swimming pool and follow the road West, at the corner just West of the Fairgrounds the cemetery will be on  the South or to your left.
Frank Winn

[frawin]

Rudy, as an added note, drive up some time for Memorial Day.  The Avenue of Flags is beautiful.  Yes, we have seen Caney on that weekend, and it, too, is beautiful, but the Howard Cemetery has small flags on all of the veterans' graves as well as the auxiliary, and also they have a small cedar sprig with 3 poppies on the grave.  Then, the large flags line the front and the roads of the cemetery.

I'm sure the family will treasure the pictures that you will be taking.  That is very nice gesture.

Myrna

[Teresa]

Yes.. That is what I was going to post this morning too Rudy.

Kjell and I will be filming..and will make a tribute video to put on the forum.
I hope people don't look at it as anything but total respect for the family ..and sharing this soldiers last ride with others who were unable to pay their respects.

Diane.... I wish I could tell you that I will be able to ignore Mr HateMonger IF he shows up..
I will try.. really I will... but I can not promise anything.   

Surely our law officers will step in and not allow him to cause and entice a riot..( Isn't there charges you can file against someone for that? )  I am surprised someone hasn't but a boot in his ass before now.
I might be worth my first night in the county jail just to do it. 

I am sure though that he won't come here.( he can't be THAT stupid)
If he does, I hope the family is kept protected and won't see him.

[flo]

  talk to someone from Fredonia and see how they are handeling Mr. Phelpps

[Teresa]

Do you know something that we don't know, Flo?

Actually I talk a big line.. but I would be the one who would try to stop anyone in my family having a stupid attack and starting a fight with the moron.
But then again.. if one was started.... and it looked like they needed help... sighhhhhh I would probably jump in the middle of it.. 

Hopefully noting will happen and the jerk will stay away.. and the family will be more than protected.

[flo]

This is not official, but I was told by a good source that the Fredonia statutes cannot stop a protest, but can tell them WHERE to protest, so they have designated a spot at the opposite edge of town, around a ditch that is full of water.