They are good enough to die for their country but not to get a memorial like everyone else?

At first I was thinking that it might have been taking so long (since the soldier died) because the symbol had not been approved yet. The thought came to me that it takes forever to get the govt to approve anything (except what interests them). But then I saw the part about this having been under consideration for nine years. That's just stupid.

Then I thought, well, it's probably because some poor little fundamentalists would be offended. Then I saw the part about a symbol being available for atheists. Then I thought about how I see a lot of the atheists here talking about a poll that was done in which it was revealed that atheists are considered "evil" or "feared" the most in America

Even though I don't agree with that view of atheists, it makes me wonder why they would be any more favored than Wiccans. I see no reason why they shouldn't both (and others) be honored.

Anyway, I agree with you... If they are good enough to die for me and my country, they are better than good enough to be honored in death according to their religion.

Update...

Thanks for posting the petition. Was wondering if one was out there.

In light of the facts, it isn't right. Not at all. Then again, let's look at the flip side. How far does the government go to please everyone who served and unfortunately died in combat? Far fetched, but should satanists be allowed a pentagram? Still, I do see your point and I can appreciate how you feel. I do hate controversy, because I don't like to choose sides when I see them all so clearly. I suppose the troop who died should have the final say, as the poster beneath me has pointed out. I agree. Okay, I read further and realized we are talking pentagram, or pentacle. I can empathize as to why this may be a problem for the U.S. govt., given connotation and the darker significance it implies. But, you have your point. Personally, I believe that faith is a heartfelt condition and not diminished by the lack of observance or display of its symbol. I never could understand the Christian cross myself. Moreover, there are other symbols that could be used that would prove less controversial.

So this Veterans Affairs does not recognize Wicca as a religion and are protesting this.... But isn't it the case the the US govt recognizes it as a religion and even in military hand books it is realized and that any one who is in the Military has a right to have their books and what not just as any Christian. So the how can this group deny this man the right have his symbol on his marker. He did his part for this country and died for it, give the poor man what he deserves. If other religions can have crosses and what ever on their markers then this man should be allowed the same courtesy.

This has been circulating in a lot of the Pagan groups for a while now. It is an absolute disgrace and is complete discrimination.

There have been quite a few online petitions started over this and I hope they are successful, for the honour of the deceased AND the family and for other Wiccans and Pagans across the world.

Don't worry, Dearheart, Circle Sanctuary's got their teeth into it and they rarely let something like this rest. Things will get done. It is very sad that The Sgt couldn't even get a plaque in time for Memorial Day. He fought as well as he could and died for what he believed in (even though I have trouble believing in why we're there...sigh). The wreath his wife put out was soo beautiful. I;m very happy to hear she's pushing for the Wiccan symbol to be recognized, although as a Happy Heathen I wouldn't want it on my headstone...I'd like a nice tree. But now I'm off the subject. Have a good cup of tea in his honour. Things will get done.

i'm from holland, so i'm not quit sure how these war-memorials look like, actually.

from what i've seen in the pictures, it's more than one soldier on one stone, right?

of course it's a form of discrimination. and to me it's even a form of 'making a fuzz about nothing'. But on the other hand, i could also understand the sentiments of the family-members of the other soldiers who share the same stone.

if i was in charge, of course the soldier would get the stone that he desired, like every human being should get the stone that he/she desired. but i would also talk to the families of the other soldiers, whom might have some problems with it.

There are no problems, only solutions, so this one should have been fixed a long time ago.

They have a symbol for atheist but not wiccans. As a Marine/non-theist I can't understand why they just don't honor this mans religion. It is quite obsured. I wonder what the atheist symbol is.

You would be surprised how many atheists are in the military. Be carefull with making claims about who has the most people.

I do see your point, and it is somewhat discriminating. But lets be honest, are they worried about it being a Pagan symbol or it being seen as a "Devil" Symbol. Somehow I think a "Tree of life" symbol would have caused a little bit less problems. :o) Put then , maybe something good will come out of it, and people will be more educated about Wicca and the true meaning of the pentacle.

If you know where to sign one of those petitions let me know.

isnt it so incredibly wierd that people fascinated with the movie star wars can get thier jedi symbol on a military grave but the oldest religion in the world cannot? yes the military will put a symbol for a jedi knight but wont put the pentacle on for a witch! what kind of politicians are we idiots putting into office? why do we allow this christian biggoted goverment to continue?

I'm not a Wiccan, but I've been saying for years now that Wiccan/Pagan soldiers need a proper "emblem of belief" for their markers, just like people of any other major faith group. There are emblems of belief for religions that are almost certainly statistically smaller than Wicca.

Here is a list of the currently approved emblems of belief for U.S. military markers:

http://www.cem.va.gov/hmemb.htm