Why aren't all emblems of faith recognized for deceased military?

Question

Does anyone else have a problem with this? I can't believe that someone can die for this country and then not be allowed to have their religions emblem on their grave. As a Wiccan, who's husband is currently serving in the military, I find this appalling. I wonder what would happen if, say, Christians weren't allowed to have crosses on theirs. http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/QuestStorySummary.htm http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/

For those that apparently think Wicca has no organized set of beliefs.....you need to do more research before you answer questions you know nothing about.

As far as atheist not having an emblem.....YES THEY DO! Again research is the key.

Apparently people don't want to take the time to read the links I posted so, if you just want to check the list of emblems that are available, here you go. http://www.religioustolerance.org/grav_mark.htm

Wicca is a religion. It's also one of the religions recognized by the military.

Some of you don't seem to get what this is about. This isn't about just anyone putting their emblem of faith on their grave anywhere. This is about deceased military having their emblems of faith on their graves when they have a military burial, buried at Arlington, etc. READ THE LINKS!

Wicca is a religion. It's also one of the religions recognized by the military.

Some of you don't seem to get what this is about. This isn't about just anyone putting their emblem of faith on their grave anywhere. This is about deceased military having their emblems of faith on their graves when they have a military burial, buried at Arlington, etc. And yes, they are being refused. READ THE LINKS!

Answer 1

Because Wiccan isn't really a religion; it is just made up.

Christianity, however, is an established religion. Quit complaining.

Answer 2

It's a question funeral homes have side-stepped around for a very long time. They dodge it because if they allow a symbol of a wiccan's religion on a gravesite, then it means that an unclean person lies within what is supposed to be blessed ground.

Long ago, if you weren't Christian, you didn't get buried with the other Christian's, you were buried on unsanctified land. It's a little thing that funeral homes would rather we forgot about.

And of course the government has carried this over to their own military graveyards.

Answer 3

wiccan is not a recognized religion, it's still too chaotic (seriously how many different sects of wicca are there? SEems like everyone has thier own branch). They do have an athiest symbol. THere may be a wiccan symbol in the future, but some things need to be met.

For starters, try organizing. As I said, you're way to chaotic. There is no set sections of WIcca, each person makes up their own rules.

Secondly, I know you love the pentacle, but you might want to find a symbol that isn't also associated with such a negative image. THat's one of the reasons why its not put on grave stones.

Thirdly, realize this takes time. As mentioned, athiests have a symbol, but that didn't happen over night. They are also far more organized then any wiccan or pagan religious sect I"ve ever come across.

Answer 4

First and foremost my thanks to your husband for serving. As a veteran, although I don't agree with current DC policy, I understand and appreciate the commitment to honor and duty. However, in your statement you neglect to say wheter or not your husband is also a practicing Wiccan. The military most likely allows symbols of "estsablished religions" by their own definations and propbaly does not recognize Wiccan as one of these, but as a Pagan religion. Pagan religions are religions centered around nature-based worship. They emphasize spirituality, and feeling in place with the world. Many pagan teachings center around balance, the dual nature of the universe, nature's cycles, fertility in all aspects of life, and personal growth. Most pagan religions that exist today are really neo-pagan. This means that they're derived from ancient beliefs, but are blended with modern morals, philosophies and culture. Wicca, the most widespread pagan religion, is a neo-pagan religion. Reconstructionists are a small subset of pagan religions which try to recreate ancient religions as accurately as possible. Today's pagan religions are distant cousins of the Judeo-Christian religions. This means that they share cultural and theological ancestry, but do not have any direct ties to one another. Pagans, generally speaking, do not believe in Judeo-Christian theological constructs such as God, Satan, Angels, Devils, etc. Many forms of paganism are not exclusive. This means it is possible to blend paganism with many other religions, so long as they too are not exclusive. Witchcraft, or the use of magick, is much like prayer for Christians. It is a way in which the individual can connect and feel empowered. However, not every pagan practices witchcraft.

Answer 5

Christianity was once treated the same way. I would think those commenting above would know that and at least have some respect. It was just as new at one time, and just as persecuted.

I do have a problem with it, reason being that denying even one symbol of faith would be unconstitutional. It would be hypocritical of the government to say they're "fighting for democracy," only to deny the constitutional rights of those who died fighting for it!

Answer 6

I know what you mean. However you must remember that organizations are run by people and people often have a hard time getting past their prejudices and letting people be. One thing to take comfort in is that eyes are starting to open as well as hearts. As a past serviceman this story was of great interest to me. Thankfully, Sgt. Stewart's Memorial Plaque with Pentacle has been put in place and dedicated.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 7

I agree with you, but does the military actually REFUSE to put diverse religious emblems on the gravestones? Because if people simply aren't requesting it, it isn't really a problem.

Answer 8

This should be a non-issue, because it's ridiculous that Wiccans have to fight for the right to have their religious symbols on tombstones. Every person, regardless of her or his religion, should protest this injustice.

Answer 9

I don't think that the military is denying the religious aspect of the service man or woman. It's more of a matter that they had died serving their country, protecting everyone and their rights regardless of the race, origin, or religion. They're honoring them as an American who protected everyone here in America.

Answer 10

I would think people should have most anything on toumbstones, as long as it isn't vulgar or insulting to others.