VA Cemetery is Religiously Hostile
“Americans are free—free to read, write, talk, and pray without permission from George III or other governmental power” wrote Lynn H. Hughes, United States District Judge, Temporary Restraint, Civil Action H-11-1992. That statement from the Temporary restraint sums up the chances of the United States Department of Veteran Affairs chances in winning the case. The judge ruled in favor of free speech and against the VA, God and Jesus were back for a day. (Court Documents at bottom)
Veterans Affairs has also turned their attention to any private group that is volunteering at the Houston National Cemetery. They are attempting to monitor, edit and otherwise control private speech. Among those that the VA is trying to censor are the National Memorial Ladies. According to their they “attend all burials at the cemetery to honor our soldiers who have fought for our freedom.”
The National Memorial Ladies overview states:
The National Memorial Ladies is a volunteer service formed at the Houston National Cemetery. We attend all burials at the cemetery to honor our soldiers who have fought for our freedom.
The Memorial Ladies are there to make sure that no soldier is buried alone, and give a condolence card to the families and affirm that they are there to give honor to their loved one who gave military service to our country.
The Memorial Lady is a part of the ceremony. Along with the Chaplain and Honor Guard, she attends the burial with silent vigil. r country.
The Memorial Lady is a part of the ceremony. Along with the Chaplain and Honor Guard, she attends the burial with silent vigil.
Liberty Institute brought the original complaint against Arleen Ocasio and the Department of Veteran Affairs due to the institution of censorship by cemetery director Arleen Ocasio. She attempted to censor Rev. Rainey’s prayer at a private Memorial Day Service at the cemetery. United States District Judge Lynn H. Hughes granted a temporary order blocking her or anyone within the government from infringing on Rev. Rainey’s free speech rights.
The Liberty Institute has since amended the complaint to include additional victims of Arleen Ocasio censorship; those added are The American Legion Post 586, Veterans of Foreign Wars District 4 and the National Memorial Ladies. According to documents, prior approval was required if a family wanted the use of religious messages in burial rituals, there were government officials that monitor funerals for use of unapproved words such as “God” and “Jesus.” Volunteer groups were banned from sending cards containing or saying to the families “God” and “Jesus.”
There was a Chapel on the cemetery site; however, so after Arleen Ocasio took over as director it was closed. “The doors remain locked during Houston National Cemetery operating hours, the cross and the Bible have been removed, and the Chapel bells, which tolled at least twice a day, are now inoperative,” the complaint reads. “Director Ocasio only unlocks the chapel doors when meetings or training sessions are held at the building. Furthermore, it is no longer called a ‘chapel’ but a ‘meeting facility.’ ”
The chapel is allegedly closed for construction but Jeff Mateer, general counsel for Liberty Institute, is not buying that explanation due to the fact that the closure predates any construction.
Judge Hughes denied the government’s motion to dismiss the case. He has given them until July 21 to investigate and respond to the complaints of “widespread and consistent practice of discriminating against private religious speech” as stated in the complaint.
The sign welcoming you to Arlington states “THESE ARE HALLOWED GROUNDS”
KTRH — Houston Veterans Accuse VA Cemetery of Religious Hostility
National Memorial Ladies Rep: We’re Not Allowed to Say ‘God Bless You’ at Funerals
Related:
Click to download
Letter from Liberty Institute to VA
Original Lawsuit filed in Houston
Request for Temporary Restrain
Temporary Restrain
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