Army Spc. Sterling Wyatt, killed in action.
As a Columbia family prepares to bury their son, killed by an IED in Afghanistan, their friends are preparing a massive show of support.
Friends of Army Spc. Sterling Wyatt have started two Facebook groups found here and here, to invite people to wear red and stand as a human wall outside the First Baptist Church for his funeral at 1pm Saturday afternoon.
A radical religious group from the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS plans to protest outside the funeral, as it has done at dozens of other military memorials. Westboro members contend the deaths are a result of America's sin.
Columbia Police Lieutenant Scott Young has spoken with representatives from Westboro and says they promise only peaceful protests expressing their First Amendment Rights.
"Despite their very controversial nature, in their previous visits to Columbia, WBC has not been violent, threatening, or broken any laws. Also, during their previous visits, Columbia folks counter-protesting have been peaceful and law-abiding as well," writes Young in an e-mail to KRCG.
CPD will assist with parking and traffic flow outside the church, as well as provide an escort to Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.
Wyatt's body is scheduled to be returned to Columbia Thursday, and a visitation is planned for Friday.
An online obituary provides more details.
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