AHA Seeks Removal of Cross-Shaped Memorial; "Govt. Should Not Be in Bus. of Promoting Rel."

A veterans' memorial in the form of a "peace cross" in Bladensburg, Maryland has come under criticism by the American Humanist Association (AHA), which has said the memorial is a "religious symbol" on public land and that the government "should not be in the business of promoting religion," the Cybercast News Service website reports today (September 21, 2012).

"This cross amounts to an unconstitutional government endorsement of Christianity on public land. It is an exclusively Christian symbol that does not represent the sacrifice of non-Christian soldiers. Its prominent presence on public land leaves any observer with the notion that Christianity is exclusively favored and promoted by the government," said Bill Burgess, director of the AHA Legal Center.

AHA recently sent a letter to the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The letter cited the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment in its challenge that "the Constitution mandates that the government remain secular, rather than affiliate itself with religious beliefs or institutions."

But Hiram Sasser -- director of litigation for Liberty Institute -- responded to AHA's challenge. "Surely, the Humanists are bluffing. I doubt very seriously this group will even file a lawsuit to disturb the Bladensburg Peace Cross, which has stood for nearly a century as a symbol of the selfless sacrifice and service of the 49 soldiers who paid the ultimate price for the freedom of others during World War I," Sasser said.