Americans United for Separation of Church and State announced they are suing the Veterans Affairs Department on behalf of a Desert Storm veteran killed in Afghanistan one year ago.
Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart died when the helicopter he was flying in was shot down. He earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, awarded posthumously.
But the symbol that stood for his faith -- a pentagram denoting his belief in the Earth-based Wicca religion is not on his gravestone because it is not on VA's official list of 38 markings that may be used .
At a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., the group said it is suing through the federal circuit court of appeals to make the pentagram part of the official list.
According to American United, 1,800 service members claim Wicca as their religion.
"If a Wiccan soldier is killed in action, the families of that soldier are unable to have the pentacle added to his or her gravestone," said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "Sgt. Stewart was ... a hero when he died in service to his country. His memory should be honored in a fitting way."
Historically, the religion has faced animosity because many mistakenly believe Pagans worship the devil. In fact, the devil isn't part of the faith at all. And when members speak of Wicca, people tend to think of Halloween witches, rather than people with a mantra of "harm none."
"Our spirituality was everything to us and that spirituality was Wiccan," said Roberta Stewart, the soldier's widow. "I ask that you help me to remember that all freedoms are worth fighting for."
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