Support For Wicca Marker On Soldier's Grave
The space where the memorial marker of Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart, a decorated American soldier who was killed last year in Afghanistan, should stand is empty because his Wiccan faith is not one of 30 approved for such designation by the federal government.
Stewart, a 34-year-old native of Fernley, Nev., was killed Sept. 25 by a rocket-propelled grenade. His body was cremated and he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
His widow, Roberta, held her own Memorial Day service this past May 31 to protest the government's policy. She has refused a temporary marker at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery until she gets a permanent recognition of her late husband's faith.
Now, several secular and religious organizations -- including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Christianity Today magazine-- say Stewart's widow should be allowed to have the Wiccan pentacle placed on his marker. Full Story
Related: religion, wicca, pagan, spells
Stewart, a 34-year-old native of Fernley, Nev., was killed Sept. 25 by a rocket-propelled grenade. His body was cremated and he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
His widow, Roberta, held her own Memorial Day service this past May 31 to protest the government's policy. She has refused a temporary marker at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery until she gets a permanent recognition of her late husband's faith.
Now, several secular and religious organizations -- including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Christianity Today magazine-- say Stewart's widow should be allowed to have the Wiccan pentacle placed on his marker. Full Story
Related: religion, wicca, pagan, spells
posted at 11:42 AM
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