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March 17, 2006 - Circle Times Update
EDITORIAL
The Reno Gazette Journal has become the first newspaper to support the addition of the Pentacle to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) list of emblems of belief that can be on government issued markers, headstones, and plaques for deceased veterans.
Today's issue of this Reno, Nevada daily newspaper published an editorial, "Allow Wiccan Symbol on Plaque."
This editorial begins: "If the family of a National Guardsman killed in Afghanistan wants his memorial plaque to include a Wiccan symbol, that should be their decision. It certainly shouldn't be the federal government's decision."
The editorial concludes: "Sgt. Stewart earned his honors. His family has sacrificed for their country. If they want a Wiccan symbol on his plaque, the government has an obligation to grant that wish."
For the full text:
US CONGRESSMAN'S PUBLIC STATEMENT
Publicly released today, March 17, 2006:
"Obviously, it is disheartening that a brave soldier's widow is unable to commemorate her husband at the memorial site in Fernley. Every family should have the ability to honor their fallen loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending freedom and this nation. It is my hope that the VA will act expeditiously to resolve this matter."
VA OFFICIALS COMMUNICATIONS
This week, Rev. Selena Fox, Senior Minister & High Priestess of Circle Sanctuary, communicated by letter and telephone with more officials at the US Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA). In her letters, she pointed out the need to expedite approving the Pentacle. A copy of one of the letters she sent is now on-line:
Recent letter to VA asking for this information
Today, two high level VA officials have let Selena know that they are actively considering this matter but they were unable to advise how long the approval process will take.
MORE SUPPORT FOR ROBERTA
Please continue to send support to Roberta Stewart as she appears publicly tomorrow at the homecoming celebration of the battalion that her deceased husband served with.
Email her words of encouragement: roberta@circlesanctuary.org
HOW TO HELP THE PENTACLES FOR VETS QUEST:
* MONITOR local and national media covering this issue and write letters in support of Pentacle approval to those sources. Please email copies of any letters you write to: circle@circlesanctuary.org with Pentacles for Vets in the subject line.
* STAY INFORMED - Additional updates about this Pentacle quest will be published in Circle Times, our news bulletin.
* SPREAD THE WORD -- post to lists and forward this email to those you know who might be interested in this.
Back to Veteran Pentacle page