Navy Veteran Wants Wiccan Symbol on Gravestone, Navy Says No

October 4, 2005

Source: Kiro TV

http://www.kirotv.com/irresistible/5056128/detail.html

On October 4, 2005 Kiro TV reported, "A navy veteran from Kent, [Washington] reportedly wants the symbol of his Wiccan faith on his grave marker when his time comes.

Even though other believers get the symbol of their choice, the National Cemetery Association and the Veterans Affairs Department haven't approved the Wiccan symbol -- a stars and circle pentacle, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.

Scott Stearns, 37, told the newspaper that he hopes his 'status as a vet and my religious belief would be on my marker.'

Stearns met last weekend with local representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union about possible legal action.

A Veterans Administration spokeswoman said the agency would add the words 'wiccan' or 'pentacle' to a headstone but not the symbol. She said policies are being updated and Wiccans will be able to make their suggestion again under new guidelines."

See also: Paganism, Military