Posted on 04/24/2007 3:11:53 AM PDT by SkyPilot
MADISON, Wis. (April 24) - The Wiccan pentacle has been added to the list of emblems allowed in national cemeteries and on goverment-issued headstones of fallen soldiers, according to a settlement announced Monday.
A settlement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Wiccans adds the five-pointed star to the list of "emblems of belief" allowed on VA grave markers.
"I am glad this has ended in success in time to get markers for Memorial Day," said Wiccan priestess Selena Fox.
Eleven families nationwide are waiting for grave markers with the pentacle, said Selena Fox, a Wiccan high priestess with Circle Sanctuary in Barneveld, Wis., a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
The settlement calls for the pentacle, whose five points represent earth, air, fire, water and spirit, to be placed on grave markers within 14 days for those who have pending requests with the VA.
"I am glad this has ended in success in time to get markers for Memorial Day," Fox said.
The VA sought the settlement in the interest of the families involved and to save taxpayers the expense of further litigation, VA spokesman Matt Burns said. The agency also agreed to pay $225,000 in attorneys' fees and costs.
The pentacle has been added to 38 symbols the VA already permits on gravestones. They include commonly recognized symbols for Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, as well as those for smaller religions such as Sufism Reoriented, Eckiankar and the Japanese faith Seicho-No-Ie.
"This settlement has forced the Bush Administration into acknowledging that there are no second class religions in America, including among our nation's veterans," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represented the Wiccans in the lawsuit.
The American Civil Liberties Union said the agreement also settles a similar lawsuit it filed last year against the VA. In that case, the ACLU represented two other Wiccan churches and three individuals.
VA-issued headstones, markers and plaques can be used in any cemetery, whether it is a national one such as Arlington or a private burial ground like that on Circle Sanctuary's property.
President Bush was among elected officials who resisted the Wiccan symbol.
Wicca is a nature-based religion based on respect for the earth, nature and the cycle of the seasons. Variations of the pentacle not accepted by Wiccans have been used in horror movies as a sign of the devil.
Ditto goes for the "Global Warming" crowd.
It is nothing but paganism, which is a rejection of the true God.
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Romans 1:25
DITTO.
That wicca thing is just creepy. I wouldn’t want it on a grave.
We're talking about veterans who, by their deeds, have earned the right to be buried at Arlington. To deny them their chosen symbol is wrong on many levels.
-Eric
-Eric”
Agreed. One of the freedoms God gave us was the right to choose how to worship Him. We can deal with Him later if we made the wrong choice there.
Exactly. Love of Country is what is important here.
They do. And I think that someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country deserves the religious symbol of their choice on their headstone.
You are right, I just think it is creepy. They should be allowed to have what ever they want. I have never seen one on a head stone. God bless the boys who keep me safe.
Will the JEDI be the next honored?
LLS
That being said, if one gives their life for our country, they have the right to have their symbol placed on their tombstone. I'll let God decide right and wrong in the afterlife.
You called that one right. If they want to worship the swastika, its ok with me. They did their duty for the nation and want a symbol on their headstone. Thats not much to ask.
p.s. the swastika was around long before the Nazis. (Comment added for those who have no historical reference beyond the media.)
Why not just put a neon marker up on these graves saying: Gone to Hell.
Barry Lynn uses his “Rev” title extensively in his efforts to destroy Christianity. When he and his fellow scum preach seperation of church and state, they actually seek Elimination of Church in the state.
I’m a Christian and I actually agree with you.
If this was important to them and this was their religion (as much as I disagree with their beliefs), then I’m of the opinion they should have whatever religious symbol they want on their headstones.
Their beliefs (or lack of) are between them and God.
Didn't you see the South Park episode. Only the Mormons are right.
p.s. the swastika was around long before the Nazis. (Comment added for those who have no historical reference beyond the media.)
Nice Strawman.
Which "true god" of the tens of thousands worshipped by man over the millennia would that be?
FRiend, I don’t watch South Park, but I am a Mormon. Way I heard it (from my Baptist-minister stepfather) only the Baptists are right... ;)
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