Texas A&M students made a wall to block protestors from soldier’s funeral

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Over 650 Texas A&M students and fans showed up to form a human wall at the funeral of Texas A&M alum Lt. Col. Roy Tisdale, who was killed during a training exercise at Fort Bragg. Tisdale was accidentally shot by another soldier who then took his own life.

The Westboro Baptist Church had threatened to show up to the funeral and protest.

When former A&M student Ryan Slezia heard about the plans of the group, he decided to take action in a way that showed both respect to the family and a strong stance against the group.

“In response to their signs of hate, we will wear maroon. In response to their mob anger, we will form a line, arm in arm. This is a silent vigil. A manifestation of our solidarity,” he wrote on Facebook.

The wall must have worked because the protesting group never showed.

The Tisdale family added the following to the obituary to show their thanks to the Aggie faithful that showed up.

As of the afternoon of July 5, 2012, it can be added that Lt. Col. Roy Lin Tisdale, Texas Aggie Class of ’92, is survived by the Maroon Wall, a tribute symbolic of the love, respect and honor of former students for their fellow Aggie. No better example can be found of just what it means to be part of the Texas Aggie family. The most powerful statement of all against hate was made, in complete, reverent silence.

Gig ‘em!

Note: If you want links to the so-called church’s flyers, you can find them at Huffington. I will not link to these psychos.

[Huffington Post, photo via Chris]