Hundreds Of Supporters Gather Outside Marine’s Funeral

Family and supporters of Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Diaz, who was recently killed in Afghanistan, gathered Monday outside his funeral, where members of the Westboro Baptist Church said they were going to protest.

But the controversial church, which protests the funerals of service members nationwide to spread its message of hate for homosexuals, never showed up

Instead, about 300 prepared counter-protesters waving American flags gathered outside of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 11700 Pebble Hills, where funeral services were held. Many of them were current soldiers and military spouses who heard about the counter protest plans via a Facebook site honoring Diaz.

Diaz’s body and his family were escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders, some of them from as far away as Oklahoma.

Diaz, 27, was killed in Afghanistan late last month. Diaz left behind two brothers, a fiancee, and two young children. His family said he was two months away from returning home, and he had just received the news that he would be receiving a promotion as a drill sergeant in California. His family also said he’d be training others to handle army dogs.

Jennifer Segura, who was in JROTC with Diaz in high school, attended the funeral.

“My uncle is actually one of the Patriot Guard Riders, the motorcycle group. So, he drove down here to support,” said Segura, who was a friend of Diaz’s. “It makes me proud to be an American, to see all the support the soldiers get from the community. And it makes me sick to think that people would actually protest a funeral.”

The group of counter-protesters eventually made their way to Fort Bliss’ Cassidy gate and Fort Bliss National Cemetery where Diaz was laid to rest. There were unconfirmed reports of Westboro protesters gathering there.

Slideshow:Photos from Staff Sgt. Christopher Diaz’s funeral.