Do not tear down the historic World War I Monument in Bladensburg, Maryland
Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Humanist Association and other entities have been working hard since February 2014 to challenge a historic World War I Monument, known as Peace Cross, that has been standing for nearly 100 years in Bladensburg, Maryland.
The monument’s construction began in 1919 and was completed in 1925 on private land. Initially a private group of individuals gathered funds to initiate construction, and then the project was completed by U.S. war and veterans organization Snyder-Farmer Post of the American Legion. The monument contains the names of 49 soldiers who died in combat and are buried in France. For decades the monument has served as a place loved ones and the public can visit to give tribute to the soldiers who died in battle, and to reflect on one of the most significant wars in modern history.
In 1961 the monument and the land it is located on was obtained by Appellee Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission, a state entity. Since then the state has maintained the monument and has taken responsibility for repairs. The monument is not far from newer war monuments and memorial sites, such as a 9-11 Memorial Garden, a World War I Memorial, Korea/Vietnam Memorial, Pearl Harbor Memorial and Battle of Bladensburg Memorial.
The organizations challenging the monument claim that the government is endorsing religion by having a cross on public land and paying for repairs. A spokesperson from American Humanist Association noted that the organization suggested a “secular” monument take its place. Demanding a different monument be put up is essentially “tearing it down.” Should historical sites that happen to be on land obtained by the state be altered or torn down because of current values?
Hi Lauren – thanks for your interest in our case. As noted in briefs & oral argument, AHA is not advocating to “tear down a war monument”. The 40ft Latin cross is crumbling and tax payer money is being spent to maintain it. We suggested turning it into a secular monument.
— Monica Miller (@Monvegatheist) November 16, 2018
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of American Humanist Association after oral arguments were presented in December 2016. However, recently the Supreme Court announced that it will hear arguments on the case, which leaves the future of the monument undecided.
It is astonishing that Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Humanist Association and other entities disregard the significance of a World War I Monument that was built nearly a century ago to give tribute to war casualties. While it is understandable to draw attention to religious themes in modern monuments, this monument is historical and should be treated as a historical landmark. According to LandmarkSociety.org, in order to be designated as a historical landmark, “a building or other property must be at least 50 years old, must retain a high degree of integrity, and must have some level of historic significance.”
We hope Freedom From Religion Foundation, American Humanist Association and other involved entities challenging this historic World War I Monument will come to an understanding and let the fallen soldiers and their families rest. We look forward to seeing the case move forward to the Supreme Court.
This opinion piece is based on feedback from multiple members of Republican Atheists, as well as general supporters of Republican Atheists.
Lauren Ell is President and Founder of Republican Atheists and Nordic Republicans. Contact Lauren Ell here. Follow Republican Atheists on Facebook and Twitter.
