What in God’s name is an “approved emblem of belief?”
According to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs graveside policy: "No graphics (logos, symbols, etc.) are permitted on Government-furnished headstones or markers other than the approved emblems of belief, the Civil War Union Shield, the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and the Medal of Honor Insignias.” Say what? American veterans can have their graves officially marked by the U.S. Government, but as of right now, survivors must choose from a smorgasborg of 38 officially approved emblems of belief.
In the old days, an American soldier’s grave was noted by a white cross emblem, and occasionally a Star of David if he/she was Jewish.
But as of 2006, emblems of belief include the following choices (click here to see official images of the actual emblems):
Christian Cross
Buddhist Wheel of Righteousness
Hebrew Star of David
Presbyterian Cross
Russian Orthodox Cross
Lutheran Cross
Epsicopal Cross
Unitarian Church Flaming Chalice
United Methodist Church
Aaronic Order Church
Mormon Angel Moroni
Native American Church of North America
Serbian Orthodox
Greek Cross
Bahai 9 Pointed Star
Atheist (nuclear fission symbol)
Muslim Cresecent and Star
Hindu
Konko-Kyp Faith
Community of Christ
Sufism Reoriented
Tenrikyo Church
Seicho-No-Ie
Church of World Messianity Izunome
United Church of Religious Science
Christian Reformed Church
United Moravian Church
Eckankar
Christian Church
Christian & Missionary Alliance
United Church of Christ
Humanist Emblem of Spirit
Presbyterian Church USA
Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii
Soka Gakkai International USA
Sikh Khanda
Christian Scientist Cross & Crown
Muslim Islamic 5 Pointed Star
After scanning this list, it hardly seems odd that Wiccans, a pagan amalgamation claiming pre-Christian European roots, are now filing to be included. Given that 1,800 active-duty military service members are registered Wiccans and they are all presumably mortal, it only makes sense to add them to the list.On November 13, 2006, a suit was filed on behalf of two deceased veterans, one a Korean War vet and one a decorated Afghanistan War vet who was KIA in 2005; and two Wiccan groups, the Circle Sanctuary of Wisconsin and the Isis Invicta Military Mission in California. The case was filed in U.S. District Court in Madison, Wisconsin and with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Court in D.C. Add them to the roll.
Today’s Rune: Fertility.
May the Goddess Go With You. Or whatever.
7 comments:
For some reason, I feel that there is a South Park episode just waiting to be written with a similar premise.
I know! If someone goes and joins the military and dies in service to out country, they should get whatever freaking symbol their family wants on the grave! More stupid burocracy. Hopefully this will get the attention of a politician who can help push this through.
I agree with Jamie on this one. "Approved emblem of belief" sounds like some department of corrections policy to curb gangs in the joint.
Before Bob Hope died his family wanted to know where he wanted to be buried. "Surprise me," he said.
Erik, today special day for me. Day that my parents had received me in the world. He wanted to share this day with you!
Off-topic: She was a person in the light in its name saying terrible things, I know that she was not you. I wait that here the same thing due to its disappearance has not happened.
Beijus
I think that is a load of bull. What ever happened to individuality? Know what I say? You go wiccan people! You fight to have your symbol included. If it is their religion and christians and jewish people and all that can have their symbol... why not the wiccan community.
Hope the Wiccans get their emblem. Glad to see the atheists did, too.
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