Americans United: Veterans Affairs Department Must Accommodate Wiccan Symbol On Memorial Markers At Government Cemeteries, Says Americans United: Veterans Affairs Department Must Accommodate Wiccan Symbol On Memorial Markers At Government Cemeteries, Says
Americans United: Veterans Affairs Department Must Accommodate Wiccan Symbol On Memorial Markers At Government Cemeteries, Says Americans United: Veterans Affairs Department Must Accommodate Wiccan Symbol On Memorial Markers At Government Cemeteries, Says Americans United:
Americans United Asks Veterans Affairs Department To Respect Religious Diversity, Approve Pentacle For Wiccan Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
The Department of Veterans Affairs must recognize religious diversity by allowing a Wiccan symbol on the memorial marker of a soldier who died in Afghanistan, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
In a June 7 letter to R. James Nicholson, secretary of Veterans Affairs, and William F. Tuerk, under secretary for Memorial Affairs, AU requests that the widow of Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart be permitted to place a Wiccan pentacle on his marker and that the department extend that same right to other Wiccan families.
Stewart, a Wiccan, was killed in Afghanistan on Sept. 25, 2005. The Nevada resident was a highly decorated Army soldier who was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other honors. His widow, Roberta Stewart, has repeatedly sought to have the Wiccan pentacle placed on his marker, but Veterans Affairs officials have not responded.
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United, called the situation outrageous.
“A brave man died in service to his country,” Lynn said. “The federal government has a duty to allow his widow to honor his chosen faith.
“Aside from the constitutional issues raised, this is a simple matter of justice and common decency,” Lynn continued. “I am hopeful the Veterans Affairs Department will do the right thing and extend full recognition to Wiccans and their families.”