Wiccans will be allowed to have the symbol of their religion placed on grave markers in national cemeteries under a lawsuit settlement with the Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday.
I care about this subject. I even wrote (Yes, I actually put pen to paper, stuffed & stamped envelopes and SNAIL-MAILED) to my Congressional representitives (Thank yous go to the Honorable Mssr. McKeon, Ms. Feinstein and Ms. Boxer) about encompassing ALL religions into "Approved" religions whose symbols are "allowed" on headstones of our U.S. Veterans.
UPDATE]
After the initial happiness of this news, I have given the situation a lot more thought and have decided I need to add some additional words...
Our great nation, founded by what is possibly the most forward-thinking group of individualists that ever existed in the history of humans, is the most free on the planet. There are countless ways that our freedoms are being eroded on nearly a daily basis, but we're still free. Contrary to popular misconception, our government was not created by a cadre of Christians. Thomas Jefferson, one of the most influential and prolific of the Founders - was not even a practicing Christian. Their intent was never to have this be a nation "of Christians", with freedom of religion being meant only for Christians and Jews. All religious beliefs were expected to be tolerated, respected, and enjoy the freedom to worship as they see fit.
How in the names of Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Washington, et al, did there come to be an "Approved list" of "Officially recognized" religious symbols? If an American Man or Woman dies serving this wonderful country, how does the Department of Veterans' Affairs have the gall to make decisions about what type of inscription and/or symbol is placed on that soldier's headstone? How dare they make any desicion of this sort?
Not only is it an affront to the very ideals that the soldier has given his/her life for, it is an affront to the ideal of freedom that all of our fallen veterans have given their lives for, for over 230 years.
OK, rant over. Read the rest of the story if you're interested...
Wiccans get grave marker symbol
By Scott Bauer - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Apr 23, 2007 18:09:40 EDT
MADISON, Wis. — Wiccans will be allowed to have the symbol of their religion placed on grave markers in national cemeteries under a lawsuit settlement with the Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday.
The settlement calls for the Wiccans’ pentacle, a five-pointed star representing earth, air, fire, water and spirit to be placed on grave markers within 14 days for those who have pending requests with the VA.
Want to get your kids praising more than just their favorite sports stars and celebrities?
Gather a group of praise-minded youths, add 26 beautifully illustrated praise affirmations, couple them with 26 appropriate Bible verses, stir in short Bible
Want to get your kids praising more than just their favorite sports stars and celebrities?
Gather a group of praise-minded youths, add 26 beautifully illustrated praise affirmations, couple them with 26 appropriate Bible verses, stir in short Bible
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