[circletimes] Wiccan Widows Speak about Memorial Day Dedication
[circletimes] Wiccan Widows Speak about Memorial Day Dedication of VA-issued Pentacle Gravestones for their Veteran Husbands
Widows of Wiccan Veterans to Dedicate Gravestones with Pentacles on Memorial Day near Barneveld, Wisconsin USA
On this day of national remembrance the story of three Wiccan widows and a Pentacle etched in stone is being told all over the world. Three widows, all members of Circle Sanctuary have gathered at church headquarters this weekend, and are reflecting upon their husbands, their lives, their deaths, and equal rights for the Wiccan religion.
*"Now that I've seen Jerome's burial site up close, I'm starting to really feel the accomplishment we've made. I'm very pleased with the gravestone at the Circle Cemetery site, and I believe he is as well."Karen DePolito of Utah widow of Jerome Birnbaum, Korean War Veteran
*"Douglas was Wiccan as long as he could remember. Having a pentacle on his gravestone and being recognized for who he is means the world to both of us. His remains are now at peace in their new home at Circle Cemetery. He fought for Freedom for twenty-four years and now, finally he is Free."Sandra Wilkey of Kentucky widow of Douglas Wilkey, Korean War & Vietnam War Veteran
*"Today is a great day, not only for myself, but for other Wiccan families. This Memorial Day at last I am having closure. Our fight for religious freedom is over, and my husband, Sgt. Patrick Stewart can rest in peace. For the first time since Patrick's death, I don't feel as if he died in vain. May all our soldiers be blessed and remembered on this very special Memorial Day.Roberta Stewart of Nevada widow of Sgt. Patrick Stewart, Desert Storm Veteran & Killed in Action in Operation Enduring Freedom
Reflections on the Memorial Day Wiccan Veteran Gravestone Dedication by Rev. Selena Fox, who will be facilitating the ceremony. She is Senior Minister of Circle Sanctuary and Executive Director of Circle Cemetery, Wisconsin's first conservation cemetery.
*This Memorial Day, we gather to remember and honor the lives and service of our veterans who have died and to dedicate their newly issued VA gravestones with pentacles. We gather to support their widows in finally bringing closure to marking the sites of their husband's remains at our church cemetery. We also gather to celebrate our victory in upholding religious freedom -- and to envision, pray and work for a world with liberty and justice for all.
Wiccans, Christians, and those of other faiths from Wisconsin, Ohio,Nevada, Minnesota, Michigan, Utah, Illinois, Kentucky, and elsewhereacross the nation are traveling to Barneveld, Wisconsin to take part in the nation's first Memorial Day Dedication of Wiccan veteran gravestones with pentacles.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, the church will be open for arrivals at 9:30am. A press briefing will be held 10-10:30am. The Dedication will be held 11am-12:30pm and will be followed by a reception from 1-4 pm.
More Information & to schedule interviews: Rev. Selena Fox: (608) 924-2219
Circle Sanctuary: (608) 924-2216 http://www.circlesanctuary.org
For details about the Veteran Pentacle Quest religious freedom victory, achieved with the support of Americans United for Separation of Church and State: http://www.au.org/http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle
More details about Memorial Day Dedication:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/memday07.htm
CNN International/Associated Press: May 27, 2007
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/05/27/memorialday.wiccans.ap/
Circle Times: Sunday, May 27, 2007
Labels: Circle Sanctuary, dedication, Memorial, military, Pagan, Wicca
posted by LadyIrene @ 5/28/2007 07:33:00 AM
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