The World War I Memorial Cross

I am not a religious person. Anyone that has read my articles knows that I am a fierce supporter of separation of church and state. No policy should be made based on information or influence by any religious organization. Care should be taken not to have the government show preference for one religion over another. The United States is made up people from all over the world and all of their beliefs should be respected. Separation of church and state is not designed to turn people away from religion; it is designed to have respect for all religions and do nothing to favor one over the other.

I just received an email that makes me think that no issue is black and white. American veterans of World War I erected a memorial to the 53,000 soldiers that fell in battle. This was a heartfelt honor to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. The year was 1934 long before people were aware of social issues. The memorial was created in the shape of a cross because that was what you would do in those days. This is a seven foot white cross in the middle of the desert.

Its presence has been challenged in court claiming that it is a violation of separation of church and state. A lower court has gone to the point of having the memorial covered in a big box until this issue is resolved. The issue is being taken to the Supreme Court and I am having a very hard time with this one.

I know it is possible, actually likely, that quite of few of the 53,000 dead are Jewish or of another faith, but I don't think there was any malice in using a cross. I would be in favor a expanding the memorial to add symbols of the other faiths represented by our fallen heroes. It would take of bit of a research but I think we could get all religions represented. I think it is heartbreaking to have the memorial boxed up like it is. This was an honor that veterans created for other veterans. It was a show of respect and we can't just throw away.

The official case is Salazar v. Buono and there is an underlying issue concerning what can be displayed to honor fallen veterans. The court will decide if religious symbols are appropriate can be displayed at veteran's memorials. My feeling is that we need to hold our fallen heroes in the highest esteem. The only way to be fair would be to allow symbols for individual memorials on public land; like a grave at Arlington Cemetery but not a part of a memorial to a group. Each soldier deserves the respect of having their beliefs known and the respect of not having their belief overshadowed by another's belief.

I am hesitant to sign the petition without gong through it thoroughly because in general I'm not in favor of displaying items of only one religion on public land. In general I believe it is correct to limit religious displays in public areas because the people that put them up are not interested in respecting the right of the people of other beliefs. Go to the web site below and make your own decision on that point.

I hope the court can be creative and not order this memorial torn down. I think that would be a terrible thing to happen.