Widows Sue To Get Wiccan Symbol On Military Headstones
Veterans Affairs Allows Families To Choose Headstone Images
Updated: 1:32 pm CST November 13, 2006
MADISON, Wis. -- The widows of two combat veterans and a Wiccan church in Barneveld are suing the federal government because it won't recognize their beliefs.The widows said that Wiccan symbols weren't allowed on their husbands' military headstones.The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allows military families to choose any of 38 authorized headstone images, including symbols for Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism.The Wiccan pentacle isn't on the list and the widows said that that's unconstitutional.Circle Sanctuary of Barneveld is part of the lawsuit, saying that Wiccans have been trying for years to get the religion recognized. The suit was filed in federal court at Madison.Roberta Stewart's husband, Nevada National Guard Sgt. Patrick Stewart, was killed in combat last year. Karen DePolito's husband, Jerome Birnbaum, is a Korean War vet who died last year.
Copyright 2006 by Channel 3000. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
