MILLARD, MO. -- The body of Sgt. Brandon Maggart returned to Kirksville in preparation for funeral services. Maggart was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, August 22nd while serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.
A crowd gathered at the Kirksville Regional Airport Monday morning to welcome home a fallen hero. Family, friends, veterans and city and state officials came out to await the return of Sgt. Brandon Maggart. The Patriot Guard Riders were also on hand as Sgt. Maggart made his final trip home.
“This individual sacrificed his life for all of our freedoms. We are here as invited guests of the family. If we get the call, we’re here,” said Senior Ride Captain Vern Bastian.
Family and friends are grieving the loss of a father, husband, and hero. But the calmness and sorrow that surround them now could change by Wednesday.
The Westboro Baptist Church out of Kansas is planning to attend Maggart’s funeral to protest. They’ve released a flyer saying God hates America and Thank God for IEDs.
“As far as what we call the uninvited guests we are not here for their entertainment or enjoyment or whatever you would want to call it. We are here to pay our respect to this soldier, this family, and this community. They have lost a true American Hero,” said Bastian.
One Patriot Rider says the protestors have the right to free speech thanks to soldiers like Maggart who fight to defend that right.
“Everybody can agree with me that their message is not everybody else’s message and ignore it is the best thing to do,” said Bastian.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m Tuesday at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Kirksville Middle School.
Sgt. Maggart will be laid to rest at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri following the funeral on Wednesday.
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