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letter to constituent Ken Goze of Des Plaines, Illinois
Dear Ken:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) refusal to allow "Wiccan" symbols on tombs in veterans' cemeteries. I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, the VA has refused a widow's request that her fallen husband's grave marker include a Wiccan symbol. The soldier, Sgt. Patrick Stewart, was killed in Afghistan and is a receipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Many observers share your disapproval of the VA's decision. I understand their position, especially in light of the military's apparent tolerance for the religion in most other policies. The media has reported that some 1,800 military personnel are open Wiccans, and they enjoy the same privileges as any other religious group in the Armed Services. In fact, Sgt. Stewart's dog-tags identified him as a Wiccan.
Wiccan emblems are not among the 38 religious sybmols approved by the VA for use at cemeteries. Approved symbols include those representing humanism, atheism and other unorthodox belief systems. According to the VA, the Wiccan symbol is still under review.
Many have taken issue with the fact that the VA has held up the approval process for Wiccan symbols for ten years while other symbols have been approved in much shorter periods of time. The VA has argued that it is in the process of developing a uniform set of standards for these reviews in hopes of preventinig delays like this one.
In my view, the VA needs to make a decision one way or another. Sgt. Stewart's family deserves an answer, and the excuses given thus far are unacceptable. Furthermore, the VA should take seriously its promise to develop uniform guidelines and get them done before more disputes arise.
Thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Barack Obama
United States Senator