www.circlesanctuary.com
May 30, 2006
To: Tuerk, William F
Subject: SGT Patrick Stewart
Dear Mr. Tuerk,
I have been following the news and am aware that SGT. Patrick Stewart, a practitioner of Pagan religion was shot down over Afghanistan in September of 2005 and even to this very date his family has not been allowed to put the pagan symbol of the Pentacle on his memorial.
This is simply appalling, inexcusable and I believe a violation of the constitutional law. The non-establishment clause of the constitution precludes religious discrimination. Other veterans who have served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered with symbols that represent their religious traditions--including atheists. Please see to it that this matter is dealt with immediately and fairly.
I am grateful for your willingness to consider this request.
Most Sincerely,
Rev. Robert V Thompson
Lake Street Church of Evanston
607 Lake Street
Evanston, IL
847-864-2181 ext 111
http://www.lakestreet.org
June 3, 2006
From: Tuerk, William F
To: Robert V. Thompson
Sent: Monday, June 05, 2006 4:34 PM
Subject: RE: SGT Patrick Stewart
Dear Reverend Thompson:
Thank you for writing to me on the issue of the proposed inclusion of the Pentacle of the National Cemetery Administration's listing of emblems of belief that will be inscribed on NCA-provided headstones and markers.
As you know, NCA is now in receipt of two requests relating to this matter. We have not yet made a decision on the requests. But we will take into account this note as consideration moves forward.
As a matter of information, I expect that NCA will, in the relatively near future, initiate a rulemaking procedure by which members of the public will have an opportunity to express their views "for the record" on this subject. You may wish to communicate further with NCA as that proceeding unfolds.
William F. Tuerk
My question is....Is this something they did for all groups that have applied? Or just Pagans?