Post by Silver on Dec 2, 2006 19:14:00 GMT -5
I was following this for quite awhile but then lost track of it but finally there is another point of recognition for Wiccans and pagans
"FIRST WICCAN SYMBOL DISPLAYED ON A SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL PLAQUE"
The Associated Press
Reno, Nev
Friends and family of a soldier killed in Afghanistan will gather today to dedicate what they call the first government -issued memorial plaque with a Wiccan symbol.
The plaque for Sgt. Patrick Stewart was installed last week on the veterans Memorial wall at the Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Fernley about 30 miles east of Reno.
Stewarts widow, Roberts has been fighting to make the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allow the Wiccan Pentacle- A five pointed star enclosed in a circle- for plaques and headstones at Veteran's Cemeteries.
VA rules regonize more then 30 symbols, including more then a dozen variations of the christian cross and the atomic whirl used by atheists, but not the Pentacle. Wiccans say the Pentacle represents earth, air, fire, water and spirit and some consider themselves good witches, pagans or neo-pagans.
the Nevada Office of Veterans sevices , citing its jurisdiction over maitenance of the state cemetery, issued the Plaque in September.
Last month Americans United for Seperation of church and State filed a law-suit on the Wiccans Behalf Claiming the VA's Actions amount to constitutional violations of Free Speaech, freedom of religion and due process.
VA officials have said they are rewriting rules and procedures for approving emblems, a process which also requires a public comment period.
Stewart and four other soldiers died Sept. 25, 2005 when their Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afgahanistan.
I hope every one passes this on to others who might be interested to know
Goddess Blessings to the Stewart family and all the other soldiers of any faith who have lost their lives for our FREEDOMS.
SILVER
"FIRST WICCAN SYMBOL DISPLAYED ON A SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL PLAQUE"
The Associated Press
Reno, Nev
Friends and family of a soldier killed in Afghanistan will gather today to dedicate what they call the first government -issued memorial plaque with a Wiccan symbol.
The plaque for Sgt. Patrick Stewart was installed last week on the veterans Memorial wall at the Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Fernley about 30 miles east of Reno.
Stewarts widow, Roberts has been fighting to make the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allow the Wiccan Pentacle- A five pointed star enclosed in a circle- for plaques and headstones at Veteran's Cemeteries.
VA rules regonize more then 30 symbols, including more then a dozen variations of the christian cross and the atomic whirl used by atheists, but not the Pentacle. Wiccans say the Pentacle represents earth, air, fire, water and spirit and some consider themselves good witches, pagans or neo-pagans.
the Nevada Office of Veterans sevices , citing its jurisdiction over maitenance of the state cemetery, issued the Plaque in September.
Last month Americans United for Seperation of church and State filed a law-suit on the Wiccans Behalf Claiming the VA's Actions amount to constitutional violations of Free Speaech, freedom of religion and due process.
VA officials have said they are rewriting rules and procedures for approving emblems, a process which also requires a public comment period.
Stewart and four other soldiers died Sept. 25, 2005 when their Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afgahanistan.
I hope every one passes this on to others who might be interested to know
Goddess Blessings to the Stewart family and all the other soldiers of any faith who have lost their lives for our FREEDOMS.
SILVER
