War widow dedicates Wiccan plaque symbol

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061203/ap_on_re_us/wiccan_soldier
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"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".
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"Our people are on the front line in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it's not right they're not getting equal treatment," said the Rev. Selena Fox, one of the Wiccan organizers of the event.

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".

Hooray for the state of Nevada to grant the wishes of this honored veteran. I only wish that the Federal government and the VA would follow suit. Thank you for posting this KennedyGuy as I was busy last week with personal items. :hi:

Daily Herald
It seems only reasonable that when a U.S. veteran dies, the government should allow the family to place a religious symbol on the grave marker. It's a sign of respect for those who have given their last full measure of devotion to our country.

However, the chosen symbol must be found on the government's approved list. In the eyes of the Department of Veterans Affairs, not all religions are created equal.

Christians and Jews have nothing to worry about. There are 16 types of Christian crosses to choose from, along with an Angel Moroni for Mormons and a child with animals for members of the Community of Christ. Jews may use a Star of David to honor their deceased veterans. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and the new-age religion Eckankar also are represented among the 38 symbols of faith that can be legally displayed on military grave markers. Native American Church members, including the ones that use peyote, have a choice of symbol as well. Even atheists may have their non-belief represented through an icon that looks like an atom.

But Wiccans are out of luck. The government does not recognize the faith's pentagram symbol -- an upright five-pointed star within a circle -- for veteran's graves.


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