Nevada — The widow of a soldier killed in Afghanistan saw a Wiccan symbol placed on a memorial plaque for her husband Saturday, after fighting the federal government for more than a year over the emblem.
Roberta Stewart, widow of Sgt. Patrick Stewart, and Wiccan leaders said it was the first government-issued memorial plaque with a Wiccan pentacle - a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. More than 50 friends and family dedicated the plaque at Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery, about 30 miles east of Reno.
They praised Gov. Kenny Guinn for his role in getting the Nevada Office of Veterans Services to issue the plaque in September. The agency cited its jurisdiction over maintenance of the state cemetery.
VA officials have said they are rewriting rules for approving emblems, but the process requires a public comment period.
Comments
roger_o_thornhill 10 years, 7 months ago
I read 'plaque' as 'plague'. It really made the headline seem strange.
Cait McKnelly 10 years, 7 months ago
"Let freedom ring. Let the white dove sing." May you rest easy in the arms of your Mother in the Summerlands Sgt. Stewart. Your wife showed the bravery of any warrior and that she loved you with undieing and uncompromising spirit.
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