Wiccan Widow Relieved VA Case is Over

April 25, 2007

Author: Viktoria Pearson

Source: Nevada Appeal

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/LF/20070425/News/104250027/-1/REGION

The Department of Veterans Affairs finalized a settlement and stipulation agreement to have the pentacle, a five-pointed star in a circle and the symbol of Wiccan and pagan religions, placed on tombstones or memorial markers at Arlington Cemetery and other recognized U.S. military burial grounds Monday.

Roberta Stewart, of Fernley, the widow of Sgt. Patrick Stewart of the Nevada National Guard who died in 2005 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, became involved in the litigation with the VA after her husband's death.

Stewart said she and other Wiccan family members can now rest and move on after the widely publicized issue that lasted nearly two years.

Stewart put her personal life and grieving process on hold to fight a battle her husband could not fight against the United States government. Stewart served in the military as a Wiccan with the religion depicted on his dog tags and in his military records.

"He (Patrick) fought for people in this country to have their freedoms, yet he was denied his when he died fighting in a war," said Roberta. "I'm happy that religious freedom has prevailed and soldiers who fight and die for the freedoms of this county can be honored for their religious beliefs - regardless of what they are."