Just to set the previous poster's mind at rest, those of us who don't worship an angry, jealous, vengeful god aren't particularly worried about being smited for the fact that our country is finally showing some respect to its fallen Pagan soldiers.
I, for one, am feeling a bit prouder of my country now. The very idea that soldiers could fight and die for their country but not be buried under the emblem of their religion is disgusting. This country belongs to all of us, and we should remember that "Support Our Troops" means ALL our troops.
As for a small-town cemetery not having any Pagans in it, I wouldn't be too sure. We're everywhere, and we are, by and large, a pretty normal lot of folks. Most of my neighbors look at me and see a nice suburban homemaker who likes to bake cookies and volunteer at community events--and so I am. I just happen to be a Pagan woman, as well. What's more, having a belief system that focuses on the interconnectedness of all beings helps keep me nice when I have to deal with people who think discrimination is part of this nation's birthright. On those occasions, I just remind myself that the venom-spewing hatemonger in front of me is truly my brother or sister and I try to speak and act accordingly. I don't always succeed, but I do try! And then I thank my gods for helping me to act out of love and compassion rather than fear and anger.
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Other reader comments on this article
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Date
Well- Praise the Goddess and pass the incense! It's about time Wicca became thought of as a serious- non-violent religion.... [MORE]
Wind Dancer
May 2, 2008 09:54
It is so deeply disturbing and thoroughly dispiriting when I hear and see hatred in religion, as I do every... [MORE]
Jennifer
Aug 20, 2007 00:09
Do other religions other than Pagans light candles and do chants? Think about it. Are magic spells much different than... [MORE]
Kara
May 16, 2007 11:28
After over two centuries of male dominated religon, the kinder, gentler distaff part of religon is now coming into the... [MORE]
Ashley
Apr 27, 2007 22:48
Ashley, I think you'd find the number of christians, muslims, hindus, and jews practicing medicine and bioscience is and has... [MORE]
alteredbeat
Apr 28, 2007 18:49
Just to set the previous poster's mind at rest, those of us who don't worship an angry, jealous, vengeful god...
Harbor
Apr 26, 2007 12:40
You say you have gods. How do you follow all of them. I'm glad I have one and He is... [MORE]
Phillip Gaskins
May 4, 2007 17:29
This comment is directed towards Mr. Gaskins. Our country was founded on the idea of religious freedom - there is... [MORE]
Shawnee
Apr 26, 2007 10:19
Bottom line is--where are they spending eternity. Yes I honor them for their sacrifice but a pentagram is not the... [MORE]
Phillip Gaskins
May 4, 2007 18:06
Believing is a simple minded approach to explaining without proof. It takes all forms and has unlimited options. As such... [MORE]
Dale Netherton
Apr 26, 2007 08:49
Being a veteran I am foregoing being buried in a military cemetary as I thought I might be. Being from... [MORE]
Phillip Gaskins
Apr 25, 2007 23:23
--"Thou shalt have no other Gods before Me. Anything we put above God is our idol We're not supposed to... [MORE]
l Mallia
Apr 30, 2007 10:14
I, nor does God force my His beliefs on anyone. As here, I may comment or make a statement as... [MORE]
Phillip Gaskins
Apr 30, 2007 23:02
How can I as a Pagan be a follower of someone/something I don't believe in? Why would I go or... [MORE]
Gryphonelder
May 1, 2007 21:47
I agree we both have our free will and so the bottom line is where will I spend eternity, where... [MORE]
Phillip Gaskins
May 3, 2007 23:50
I'm glad you have your walk, but like I say it isn't mine and I don't wonder where my spirit... [MORE]
Gryphonelder
May 4, 2007 07:00
If your satisfied with your god more power to you and does that mean you believe we came from monkeys... [MORE]
Phillip Gaskins
May 4, 2007 16:43
Yes, I do think life has evolved and is still in many was evolving, even if folks are doing far... [MORE]
Gryphonelder
May 5, 2007 14:01
Sorry I was so long getting back to you.
"crass commercialism" If I felt that way about it I'd join the... [MORE]
Phillip Gaskins
May 9, 2007 17:04
i think my biggest frustration with the va taking so long in recognizing this symbol in it's cache of "accepted"symbols... [MORE]
trinitymoonchild
Apr 25, 2007 22:41
The news that the Veterans Affairs has finally approved the pentacle. It is displayed point up with the circle complete... [MORE]
Charlayne Elizabeth Denney
Apr 25, 2007 17:59
Some tend to forget the battle for freedom of religion for which our country was founded. Why was the fight... [MORE]
Kara Highley
Apr 25, 2007 12:40
The VA was only following the President's lead, though the fight to get the Pentacles approved for Pagan soldiers' headstones... [MORE]
Cerridwyn Morganne
Apr 25, 2007 05:22
The various branches of the Armed Forces recognized Wiccan as a religious preference well over ten years ago and the... [MORE]