Weird Little Guys George Lincoln Rockwell's Coffin Flop
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Oct 9, 2025 The bizarre saga of George Lincoln Rockwell's funeral unfolds, revealing the tensions between military protocols and Nazi symbolism. Legal battles arise as the ACLU defends the right to free speech, even for the American Nazi Party. The complexities of Rockwell's military eligibility are examined alongside the chaos of his funeral procession. Confrontations escalate with arrests, and ultimately, Rockwell's ashes find an unconventional resting place. This story blends history, legal intrigue, and the absurdity of a failed military tribute.
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Civil Rights Lawyer Takes NazIs Case
- Philip Hirschkopf, the civil rights lawyer who argued Loving v. Virginia, reluctantly represented the American Nazi Party over free speech concerns.
- He endured family estrangement for taking the case but defended the group's legal rights in court.
ACLU's Free‑Speech Dilemmas
- The ACLU's principled defense of free speech sometimes means representing abhorrent groups, causing moral and practical controversy.
- Molly Conger highlights local harm when such defenses enable violent demonstrations like Unite the Right.
Veteran Status Can Outlast Controversy
- George Lincoln Rockwell technically qualified for military burial because he was honorably discharged as a reservist.
- Administrative discharge didn’t strip his veteran status despite public outrage over his Nazi activities.
