War Widow Dedicates Wiccan Plaque Symbol

[Sapphire Blue]

War Widow Dedicates Wiccan Plaque Symbol
By MARTIN GRIFFITH
The Associated Press
Saturday, December 2, 2006; 9:26 PM

RENO, Nev. -- The widow of a soldier killed in Afghanistan saw a Wiccan symbol placed on a memorial plaque for her husband Saturday, after fighting the federal government for more than a year over the emblem.

Roberta Stewart, widow of Sgt. Patrick Stewart, and Wiccan leaders said it was the first government-issued memorial plaque with a Wiccan pentacle _ a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. More than 50 friends and family dedicated the plaque at Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery, about 30 miles east of Reno.

They praised Gov. Kenny Guinn for his role in getting the Nevada Office of Veterans Services to issue the plaque in September. The agency cited its jurisdiction over maintenance of the state cemetery.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes more than 30 symbols, including more than a dozen variations of the Christian cross and the atomic whirl used by atheists, but not the pentacle.

(snip)

About 1,800 active-duty service members identify themselves as Wiccans, according to 2005 Defense Department statistics. Wiccans worship the Earth and believe they must give to the community. Some consider themselves "white" or good witches, pagans or neo-pagans.

Continued @ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/02/AR2006120201265.html

[kiahzero]

1. Finally. (n/t)

[Benhurst]

2. Good.

It's about time.

[Sgent]

3. IMPORTANT

This was not issued by the federal government.

The Nevada Office of Veterans Affairs -- who oversees the cemetery -- issued the symbol.

The US Dept of Veteran's Affairs still will not issue or pay for the symbols.

Congrats to Nevada for doing the right thing -- although they shouldn't have too.

[southerncrone]

5. In the same grain, local governments should not have to use their

funds to enforce FEDERAL immigration laws, either, but it is happening all across the nation.
I agree this is long overdue. This nation was founded on RELIGIOUS FREEDOM and that is important!

[Sgent]

6. I'm not sure I see the simularity

The Feds do issue the plaques for all religions except Wicca.

It would be similar (IMHO) if the feds decided to enforce all immigration laws, except for those which effect just one country's citizens.

[southerncrone]

7. My point is that the Feds are not doing what they should and the

states or local govts. are actually upholding what the feds should be doing at their expense.

[Bluebear]

11. 'Congrats to Nevada for doing the right thing -- although they shouldn't have too.'

Eh??

[Sgent]

13. Its not Nevada's responsibility

to provide grave markers -- its the United State's Dept of Veteran's Affairs.

Nevada stepped up when they had no obligation, to do the right thing.

[LeftCoast]

4. Yay! Religious freedom wins!

I've been following this story for quite a while. I can't believe the military were being such assholes about this.

[dubykc]

8. But the Feds still don't recognize it. This is a step but it...

doesn't go far enough.

[silverojo]

9. Every journey begins with one step

And this is a great day for all Wiccans!

Blessed be!!!!

[Hekate]

10. This is wonderful news. The good people of Nevada should be thanked. nt

[Conan_The_Barbarian]

12. glad to hear it

[JeremyWestenn]

14. About time...

I'm interested to see how the lawsuit that's been filed will be played out. No doubt in my mind they will win though.

Just sad, sad, sad... Your husband dying and then this is what happens.