Posted on 12/14/2005 5:38:51 AM PST by Former Military Chick
Family members of fallen Utah Highway Patrol troopers are fighting to keep some memorial crosses in place on state property in tribute of the late officers.
At a rally Saturday, relatives showed up in opposition to a lawsuit filed by American Atheists Inc., which wants the crosses removed because of their religious theme. The atheist group filed the lawsuit against the UHP and the Utah Department of Transportation.
Lt. Lee Perry said the crosses were erected near highways and chosen as a symbol that was easily identifiable with death and sacrifice.
``We wanted to remind people that the price we pay to keep the public safe does not come cheap,'' Perry said. ``Honoring service and sacrifice shouldn't be unconstitutional.''
Patriotic songs played over a loudspeaker at the rally and members of the crowd purchased signs and crosses made from plumbing pipes.
Relatives feel the lawsuit is a direct assault to memorializing the troopers.
``Removing that cross would be like desecrating or disturbing my father's grave,'' said Lori Lucas, whose father, Tom Rettberg, died in a UHP helicopter crash in February 2000.
American Atheists Inc., a nonprofit group from Texas, wants the 12-foot crosses removed from public places. American Atheists president Ellen Johnson said on the group's Web site that the lawsuit in Utah is one of many that seek the removal of the Christian symbol of the cross.
Michael Rivers, Utah state director of American Atheists Inc., said the group was not against remembering the law enforcement officers _ just the tone of the memorials.
``We feel that they should be memorialized, just not with a Christian symbol,'' Rivers told The Salt Lake Tribune last week. ``For so long, religious symbols and symbology have received special preferences and treatment. When we ask for a level playing field, they scream intolerance. And no, we just want you to play by the same rules as everyone else does.''
What does an atheist put on his grave? A "No Exit" sign?
BUMP
One Way?
No Exit?
Going down.
First Floor, Furnace room straight ahead.
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