Ben, Sharon Lynch, widow of Bob Lynch, is looking for a photograph of her
husband.
Her address is: P.O.Box 5005
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone: (760)328-2874
John Buchalski
Subject: Burial Ceremony & Flag Folding
VA POLICY CHANGE IS
ABOUT FAIRNESS
WASHINGTON (Oct. 31, 2007) â€" The national commander of
the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is concerned that
misinformation
circulating online and in the press is unfairly alleging the
Department
of Veterans Affairs has banned the mention of God at funeral
ceremonies
in its national cemeteries.
The issue surfaced Monday
when it was learned the VA changed its policy
on the reading of an unofficial
script that some volunteer honor guards
used during the folding of the
American Flag. One variation of the
script, which is of unknown origin,
specifically recognizes God and the
Jewish and Christian religions, but no
others, and therein lies the
controversy â€" it violates the establishment
clause of the First
Amendment that prohibits the government from favoring or
disfavoring
particular religions.
VFW Commander-in-Chief George
Lisicki said that neither the U.S. Flag
Code nor federal law assigns any
special meaning to each individual fold
of the American Flag as it is
tri-folded at retreat ceremonies, military
retirements or veteran
funerals.
"There is no government approved or sanctioned script that
coincides
with an individual flag fold," explained Lisicki, a Vietnam
combat
veteran from Carteret, N.J. "That means every time the script is
read
without the prior approval of next-of-kin, an assumption is being
made
by the volunteer honor guard that the deceased is either Jewish
or
Christian. A funeral is too delicate a time to make that
assumption."
The change in VA policy now requires next-of-kin to request
that the
script be read, and to provide a copy of it to the honor
guard.
"Veterans are interred with the religious symbol of their choice
on
their burial markers. Their families invite preachers,
priests,
rabbis and imams to lead those in attendance in prayer.
One
additional step added to the funeral arrangement process does
not
justify inappropriate allegations that the VA has removed God
from
funeral ceremonies," said Lisicki.
"Our Constitution is
about fairness and equality. That's what the
VA's policy change is all
about â€" and nothing more."
To view the 39 religions recognized by the VA,
go to:
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmemb.asp.
-30-
"FAIR WINDS
AND FOLLOWING SEAS TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU"
Gene Frice
Take about five minutes of your time and watch this. It is something
we
should pass on to all of our friends. It is very inspirational and
quite
exceptional.
>
http://www.youtube.com/v/QZFkZiwMLZ4
***********
Great! - Ben
Kirk Kirkpatric
My uncle was William R. Walker he died on 2-7-45. I would love to be on
list as I just found all his letters and memorabilia. Thanks!
Kirk Kirkpatrick
Lory Curtis
Ben,
I would be an ungrateful son if I
didn't take this opportunity to personally thank all 517th troopers for their
service to our country. Also, all service men and women throughout the
world for the sacrifices each of you have made to ensure I have the freedoms I
enjoy today. The Curtis family extends their deepest gratitude to you, and
your families on this Veteran's Day. Your efforts in protecting this
country, and keeping our nation great does not go unnoticed. Thank you!
Lory V. Curtis,Ed.D., MAJ, AV, USA (Ret), son of Bud Curtis, HQ, 1st
BN
