The cold rain drizzled down on the wet road leading to the cemetery. Cars slowly and solemnly rolled down the path splashing through puddles formed on the pavement. Cold, blank stares showed through every car window. Not a word was spoken, but so many thoughts filled the air. Clothed in scarves, coats, gloves and rain boots, unrelated people lined the streets trying to stay warm despite the rain. However, the chilled weather was not a concern. In their hands were American flags of different sizes. The banners waved slowly, clearly displaying the sadness in the air.

                Saturday, September 29, Pfc. Genaro Bedoy was buried in Memory Gardens cemetery between Amarillo and Canyon. Family members were not the only people attending, however. After talk of Westboro Baptist Church members arriving to protest at the funeral, the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders, Bandito motorcycle gang and many other supportive groups arrived in the soldier’s defense. Along with the defense groups, hundreds of other people arrived lining the streets between the funeral home, the church and the cemetery. Flags, crosses and yellow ribbons were seen almost everywhere between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Even a float presenting the Statue of Liberty and a banner stating “we support our troops” arrived and was set up outside of the church on Coulter Street. At the cemetery, bystanders displaying respect received thumbs up, waves and thank-you’s from those in the funeral precession. The 300 car precession faced parking troubles forcing some to park three blocks away from where the ceremony took place. Although many worried about Westboro protesters interrupting the burial ceremony, one police officer said the protesters were not allowed to protest within three hours of the ceremony, or they would be arrested. However, hundreds of Amarillo citizens spent most of their Saturday afternoon defending the soldier and paying their respect.

“For just a few hours many Amarilloians came together for one cause,” one supporter said. “It was nice to see everyone put aside all their differences for the sake of one hometown hero.”