Hundreds Gather At C3 Church To Honor Sergeant Mark Bradley

Earlier today, friends, family, and supporters gathered together at C3 Church in Clayton, NC to pay their final respects to a fallen American hero.

Sergeant Mark Bradley, who served in the United State Marine Corps, was the victim of a roadside bomb in Afghanistan earlier this month. He passed away Thursday.

According to a report from WRAL, Sgt. Bradley's "lung collapsed, his kidney and liver failed, he underwent heart surgery and doctors had to amputate both legs before Bradley died 13 days later." Mark was 25 years old. He leaves behind his mother and wife.

During this time of mourning, reports of a protest group, known as the Westboro Baptist Church, had plans to picket the funeral service. In response, hundreds gathered to show their support for Sgt. Bradley. Many people in attendance were prepared to create a human barrier around the church.

One such group, The Patriot Guard Riders, attended the service en masse and demonstrated their sincerest respect by adorning the walkway with American flags. As the family approached the church, they all turned and saluted.

According to a brochure, The Patriot Guard Riders attend "the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family." They maintain two basic objectives:

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

Thankfully, the funeral service went undisturbed. Although, WRAL reports that a few Westboro members tried to recruit protesters at the nearest gas station.

Below are a few images from the funeral service.