[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RESPECT FOR AMERICA'S FALLEN HEROES ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
5037, the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act. I read with disgust 
the article on the protests that occurred at the military funeral for 
Army SSG. Jeremy Doyle, who was killed in Iraq, earlier this year. It 
especially saddens me that the individuals who protested at Staff 
Sergeant Doyle's funeral were from the Westboro Baptist Church in 
Topeka, KS. The church's founder, Rev. Fred Phelps, says that American 
soldiers are being killed in Iraq as vengeance from God for protecting 
a country that harbors gays.
  I find it abhorrent that individuals and groups feel a military 
funeral is an appropriate forum to display their beliefs on gay rights. 
Losing a family member during military service is a very difficult and 
devastating thing. It is unfortunate that some individuals and groups 
add to the anguish and grief of those who have lost a loved one by 
protesting outside of the funerals of fallen soldiers. Our military 
heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country deserve our 
respect and gratitude. I condemn these actions in the strongest terms 
possible and I'm proud to support H.R. 5037.

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