May 24, 2006 - Circle Times Update

Sgt. Stewart Freedom of All Faiths Memorial Day Service

Sgt. Patrick Stewart, a Nevada National Guardsman and a Wiccan, was killed in action by terrorists in Afghanistan on September 25, 2005. He died in the service of the United States in Operation Enduring Freedom, also known as the War on Terrorism which the USA launched following terrorist attacks on American on September 11, 2001.

Sgt. Patrick Stewart made the ultimate sacrifice and deserves the same respect and honor given the other war dead. He deserves to have his memorial plaque with his emblem of belief on it, the Pentacle, at this Memorial Day, the first after his death.

More about Sgt. Stewart has just been posted on-line.

Thus far, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has failed to give Sgt. Stewart the honor that he deserves. Despite repeated requests to approve the Pentacle over the past 9 years, the VA still has not approved the Pentacle for inclusion on government-issued memorial markers, plaques, and headstones for deceased veterans.

Because the VA has still not approved the Pentacle, Roberta Stewart, Sgt. Stewart's widow, is holding a special Memorial Day service to honor him, to memoralize deceased veterans of all religions, and to issue a public call to hold the VA accountable for upholding the US Constitution by providing equal treament for all the religions of deceased veterans.

ABOUT THE EVENT:

More details:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/stewartmemorial.htm

This special Memorial Service has begun getting media attention:
Las Vegas Review-Journal on May 22, 2006
Lack of recognition for Wiccan symbol prompts alternative memorial

Officials have begun issuing public statements of support:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/quotesofsupport.htm

HOW TO HELP:

1. NETWORK: Circulate copies of this email widely and ask others to do the same. Post it on email lists, websites, and on-line bulletin boards. Forward it to those you know who might be interested. Also let them know about our website with more details: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle
2. MEDIA: Encourage media to cover this event and this issue (press, radio, television, internet). PRESS RELEASE FACT SHEET
3. ATTEND: If you wish to attend the event, please email liberty@circlesanctuary.org by Noon, Friday, May 26 for additional details.
4. SPIRITUAL SUPPORT: Please continue to do meditations, rituals, prayers, and other spiritual workings in support of Pentacle approval by the VA and in support of Roberta Stewart and others who are working on this quest.
5. STAY INFORMED: Additional updates will be sent out in future editions of this occasional e-bulletin, Circle Times. Subscriptions are free -- sign up on-line: http://www.circlesanctuary.org -- and click on the URL in the confirming email that you will receive to complete the subscription process.

Circle Times: May 24, 2006