Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Government-approved religious symbols
The Washington Post had an article on the 4th of July about the Department of Veterans Affairs refusing to allow a Wiccan symbol for a memorial to a sergeant in the Nevada National Guard who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. The VA allows 38 symbols, including the flaming chalice within double rings of the Unitarians (not listed as Unitarian Universalists), but won't certify a pentacle in a circle. This soldier was the first Wiccan killed in combat. His widow isn't putting in an "acceptable," symbol-less memorial and instead fighting with a blank space on a memorial wall.
I found that link on Jim Romenesko's Obscure Store site. And thanks to LaReinaCobre for the lesson on how to hyperlink.
UPDATE: The VA link I used this morning now gives a "404 Not Found," but I found another that has a different Unitarian symbol. As for the star within a circle, could it be the military not wanting its own design from World War II to be used for another purpose?
Nah, it's the Wicca thing.
ANOTHER UPDATE: The Washington Post ran a story December 4 that says that a government-issued plaque with a Wiccan pentacle was dedicated at the Nevada cemetery December 2.
I found that link on Jim Romenesko's Obscure Store site. And thanks to LaReinaCobre for the lesson on how to hyperlink.
UPDATE: The VA link I used this morning now gives a "404 Not Found," but I found another that has a different Unitarian symbol. As for the star within a circle, could it be the military not wanting its own design from World War II to be used for another purpose?
Nah, it's the Wicca thing.
ANOTHER UPDATE: The Washington Post ran a story December 4 that says that a government-issued plaque with a Wiccan pentacle was dedicated at the Nevada cemetery December 2.
Comments:
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He's the first to die in combat, but other combat veterans who died at home have also been refused- this battle for recognition has been going on for nine years that I know of. Even Stars & Stripes has reported on it, and I've brought it up in a number of UU venues- You'd think the UUA would be out front fighting for the rights of minority religions, but nobody seems interested in championing the cause- lobbying about global warning is much more important, I guess.
Best wishes in your new life. At age 50, that's quite a change - takes courage. So good luck with it!
As for the fight for Wiccan symbol of faith, my feeling is - when one gives one's life for country, then whatever they want to have put on their stone should then be allowed.
America is stronger when we allow our diversity to unite us, rather than divide us.
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As for the fight for Wiccan symbol of faith, my feeling is - when one gives one's life for country, then whatever they want to have put on their stone should then be allowed.
America is stronger when we allow our diversity to unite us, rather than divide us.
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