Families of Fallen Soldiers Should Be Honored Not Maligned By Churches And War Protesters Says Sacrifice For Freedom’s Michael Letney

Tulsa, Ok—Nov 4—The account of how a Baltimore, Md. church protested the funeral of a fallen U.S. soldier is just one example of how those disillusioned by the Iraq war need healing and a renewal of the mind toward showing mercy and grace toward America’s servicemen and women, according to Michael Letney, founder of Sacrifice for Freedom, an organization dedicated to honoring fallen soldiers and helping heal the wounds of war for their families.

“I believe that whether one supports the war or not, our brave soldiers should be honored for the sacrifice of their lives on the battlefield,” says Letney. “That’s why I am calling on the pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Baltimore to join with me in providing a heartfelt memorial to the family of Marine Corporal Matthew Snyder for his honorable service to this nation.”

Associated Press reports that members of the Westboro Baptist Church face trial in Baltimore for an invasion-of-privacy lawsuit filed by the father of a fallen Marine from Westminster. Albert Snyder of York, Pa., says the church interrupted his grieving process at the funeral for his son, Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq last year. Church members say they were only exercising their free speech rights. According to AP, the lawsuit is the first in the nation to be filed against the church by a grieving relative. The church believes war deaths are God's retribution for America's tolerance of homosexuality, and their protests have inspired almost two dozen states to put new limits on protests at funerals.

“When someone loses a loved one, especially in the service of the nation, the right thing to do is to put away the political and religious differences and treat the grieving family with honor and respect,” says Letney. “I am asking Pastor Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church to reach out to the Snyder family with a heart of reconciliation and honor. This will start the healing process and it does not impact the church’s belief against the war.”

About Sacrifice For Freedom

Sacrifice for Freedom is a tribute to the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who have dedicated and sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. Michael Letney, founder and artist of Sacrifice for Freedom, envisioned this memorial as a catalyst of healing and uniting for America through his original design. The goal of Sacrifice for Freedom is to find sponsors from across the nation that will provide the necessary funds to memorialize fallen American soldiers and help their families. Sacrifice for Freedom understands that Americans, regardless of whether or not they agree with war, have a responsibility to embrace our American Soldiers, who are too often faced with financial and physical hardships as they freely choose to fight for our freedoms and the freedoms of all people. Sacrifice for Freedom memorials are exquisite tributes to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have dedicated and sacrificed their lives for freedom. Displaying this memorial honors their sacrifice and provides continued support to their families that have been left behind. To learn more about Sacrifice for Freedom visit http://www.sacrificeforfreedom.org

Contact: Nancy Manno, Messiah Media, 609-703-811, nancy@messiahmedia.com, www.messiahmedia.com