ALERT: ATTENDANCE & SUPPORT NEEDED at MEMORIAL FOR SOLDIER

Ed, Rita, Everyone, Please get the word out:

SGT Ray Alcaraz, an Army Medic assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Combat Team was killed by an IED on 31 August 2010. There will be a memorial for him on Wednesday, September 15 in San Bernardino. A tribute has been set up by Captain J.

The Westboro Church "God Hates America," a hateful, vitriolic group of fake Christians is going to protest and mock the life of this fine young man. If they make good on their word, they will cause grief to his family and friends. If you are retired, unemployed, or not working that day, please attend his memorial to honor his patriotism, brotherhood, and service not only to this country but also to his family and community.

Here's the info: The Rock Church and World Outreach Center 2345 S. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408 (909) 825-8887. The Westboro Church is going to meet up there at 8:15. The service starts at 9 am with burial following at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands.

Here is a link to their plan:
God Hates America
It's not known whether or not they've applied for a permit to be there. Apparently Phelps and his band threaten to go to many funerals. But given that Phelps is a fixture each year without fail at the Rose Bowl, as well as other events, I would not be surprised if they did show up. Permit or not.

Also lost on this day in this incident were:
Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, 26, of Harper, Kan.

Pfc. Matthew E. George, 22, of Gransboro, N.C.

Pfc. James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla.