"The Patriot Guard will be there," Jacksonville Military Affairs Director Dan McCarthy says. "The Jacksonville Sheriff's office will be there with veterans and members of the community."

But the controversial Westboro Baptist Church, based in Topkea, KS, had planned to also send ten members to Jacksonville to protest.

A member of the church told "Bubba The Love Sponge" on WOKV's sister station Rock 105 that the group will not be coming to Jacksonville after all. 

The WBC has gained national attention for picketing outside military funerals, holding signs that say "God Hates America" and "Thank God for IEDs."

The Church's website publishes sermons that blame soldiers' deaths on homosexuality in American and divine punishment.

"Spc. Green gave his life for the Constitutional right of WBC to warn America," a news release on the Church's website says. "To deny us our First Amendment rights is to declare to the world that Spc. Green died in vain."

While there's nothing illegal about the message, Florida state law does require protestors at military funerals to keep several hundred feet away from the ceremony.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has established a task force for Friday's service to ensure the safety of protestors and funeral-goers.

"We're hoping for a peaceful protest and hopefully we'll out of there before any gets hurt or injured." Lt. Andre Ayoub tells WOKV.

"There's no good way to recieve a young patriot's body back from the war," McCarthy says. "It's a clear reminder that everyday there are thousands of them over there doing their best."

A public viewing of Spc. Green is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. this afternoon at the Fralin and Sons Funeral Home at 5065 Soutel Drive.

The funeral service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Church Fellowship at 8808 Lem Turner Road.

To learn more, please visit the Patriot Guard Riders.