Mojave Desert war memorial

By: Letters To the editor | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: October 22, 2009

In memory of the war dead of World War I, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1934 erected a single white cross atop Sunrise Rock, now in the Mojave National Preserve ("Cross in the wilderness," Oct. 9). At a certain time of day, the sun casts a shadow resembling a World War I doughboy on the rock. The cross has been the site of many Easter sunrise services.

The American Civil Liberties Union sued the National Park Service in 2001 on behalf of an offended retired park employee, claiming a government endorsement of religion. A federal judge agreed, ordering the cross taken down. The park service threw a large tarp over it.

The Department of Justice appealed the decision. Defenders cited both the antiquity and the intent of the display. It did nothing to promote any religious group over another. It simply acknowledged the supreme sacrifice paid by so many veterans defending our nation.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide the case. The issue is straightforward. The First Amendment reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Contending that this cross violates that amendment is a stretch. It is important to remember and honor our war dead. The cross should stand (in my opinion). This court decision may indicate the wisdom of the justices, of the presidents who appointed them and of the senators who confirmed them. Voters should note, decide and remember when they vote.

JAMES LASSING

Winston-Salem

Proper equipment

Your Oct. 12 front-page article ("U.S. guns failed in firefight, report says") says it all. Are the best guns money can buy in the hands of the men and women in the military protecting all of us at home? I doubt it. Why can't we ever provide our fighting soldiers with the proper equipment they need to fight a war? It seems our enemy always has it instead.

When I fought in the jungles of Vietnam, we were up against Russian-made weapons and tanks. President Obama should ensure above all else that our military leaders on the ground get the best of what they need to win this war. What we don't need is another Vietnam. Not now. Not ever.

JIM SCHALLER

Winston-Salem

Standing up

I just wanted to state publicly that I stand for world peace, the disarmament of nukes across the world, free lemonade to all on days hotter than 90 degrees and free kittens to children everywhere on their 5th birthday. When can I expect to receive my Nobel Peace Prize, too?

STEVE SHORE

Pfafftown