Heavy Police Presence At GI's Funeral

A U.S. Army soldier was buried Monday, surrounded by hundreds of friends, family and a heavy police presence. Sgt. Rickey Jones, age 21, was killed Feb. 22, 2006, while on patrol in Iraq. The Kokomo native is the first serviceman to be buried in Indiana since the governor signed legislation that restricts protests at funerals.

A church group that has protested at military services across the country failed to show. The Westboro Baptist Church had publicized on its Web site plans to picket the funeral.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels cited the planned protest as one of the reasons he quickly signed a bill into law that makes disorderly conduct within 500 feet of a funeral a felony.

Shirley Phelps-Roper, daughter of Westboro founder Fred Phelps and an attorney for the group, said members decided not to attend Jones' funeral after hearing suggestions that the group might be behind vandalism at the soldier's home.

"Every person in the free world knows that's not what we're about," said Phelps.

The Kansas-based group has protested at services across the country, claiming that soldiers are dying in Iraq because the United States harbors homosexuals.

The group last week offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who did vandalize Jones' home. Relatives and neighbors said the home in the city 50 miles north of Indianapolis was egged and that someone had called the family saying they were glad Jones was dead.

There was a noticeable police presence at the burial, but they were relieved not to be called into action.

"Our presence here is to be low key, especially inside the funeral home," said one of the officers. "This is not about us. It's not a police operation. It's a funeral for a fallen soldier."

Some 200 to 300 supporters lined up outside the Crossroads Community Church to pay tribute to Jones, 21, who was among four Fort Campbell, Ky.-based soldiers killed on the same day in Iraq.

"We're just here to support the family," said Dick Forrey, a Vietnam veteran from Greentown who acts as a spokesman for the Howard County Vietnam Veterans.

Daniels said before the funeral that he hoped the new law will help keep protesters at bay.

"I hope," he said. "In honesty, what will make a difference is when the news media stops taking pictures of hate-filled people."

Other military groups at Jones' funeral included the Patriot Guard, VFW, Marine Corps League, Rolling Thunder and Abate, a motorcycle rights group.

Three members of Abate held a massive banner: "We are here to honor this brave young soldier. His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Disorderly conduct at funerals, burials, funeral processions or viewings in Indiana is now punishable by six months to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

At least a dozen other states are considering similar measures.

The Westboro group did not show up for a funeral this weekend in Missouri, either. That state also has a ban on picketing and protests at funerals.