I have to say with some of the sad, tragic things coming up in the news lately, it's nice when every once in a while, something inspiring happens. I was happy to hear about this. I think most of us are aware of the "church" that pickets funerals in the name of God. This is not the first time I've heard of people talking about trying to counteract the picketers. But this is the first time I have seen a news story reflecting such an overwhelming and compassionate response. What I love about this story is that the gathering was not about telling the "church" what big jerks they are, although I do believe they are big jerks. It was about showing love and support to the family of the fallen soldier. These are people with hearts who identified that this family should not have to suffer heckling or hatred as they grieve the sudden loss of their loved one, and deal with the pain I would imagine comes with that situation. The idea was to honor the man, who haled from their alma mater, by forming a maroon wall. They were to face away from the place the protesters might stand. They were to remain silent.
Of course, the protesters didn't show. I'm sure they heard about the event being organized online. I like to think that this show of support lifted the family up a little bit that day though. And it is so heartening and inspiring to me to see strangers unite for such an amazing act of compassion.
