Sgt. John Osmolski's funeral peaceful due to flu

Stomach Flu Keeps Protesters Away From Soldier’s Funeral

Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:19:56 AM

Fallen Soldier Remembered video

EUSTIS -- Hundreds of people showed up to honor the memory of a local soldier who was killed while fighting in Iraq.

Dozens of flags waved outside of Bay Street Baptist Church in honor of Sgt. John Osmolski.

The 23-year-old was killed by a bomb six days before he was supposed to come back home.

Protestors from Kansas that lead a campaign called “God Hates America” were scheduled to picket the service. However, they canceled at the last minute, saying the group came down with the stomach flu.

Friends, family and former military men and women said it allowed them to focus on what was really important.

The men and women who held up flags at the church are part of a statewide organization called the Patriot Guard. The group travels to more than 50 memorial services, funerals and welcome home celebrations of soldiers each year.

Why would anyone would want to protest at a funeral for a soldier? They do it though. Whatever they hope to prove by doing it must be more about proving they are hateful people.