Update on Pagan veteran symbol


Nevada decides they don't need Federal approval to honor Sgt. Patrick Stewart
One of the stories that hit yesterday was that Sgt. Patrick Stewart will get a Wiccan pentagram on his memorial plaque after all.

While I am glad to see the late Sergeant Stewart honored, I am concerned.

It was a Nevada state agency, not the US DOVA, that made the decision.

The Department of Veteran Affairs is still delaying. Personally I believe the whole idea of an "approved symbol" list is illegal under the First Amendment. The DOVA has about as much right to approve a symbol as the DOD has to dictate the religion and faith of all those serving.

Going beyond that, the man gave his life in the service of his country. The choice of symbol should be entirely up to his family. This just dishonors his service.

Beyond that I am concerned for some of the rumbles that I have heard in response to this story. There are other pagan symbols, and limiting all Pagans to just one symbol is wrong. One of the rumors I have heard is that this is the test case, that by throwing a bone to Pagans, other government agencies can duck the issue of other symbols.

I haven't been able to confirm that yet.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Fri - September 15, 2006 at 04:57 AM  Tag


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