Accuse VA, cemetery director of religious hostility.
They fought for their country, now they’re fighting against it.
A trio of Houston area veterans groups is suing Veterans Affairs and the director of the local National Cemetery claiming they’re trying to censor religious freedom during funerals and other ceremonies.
This all started just before Memorial Day when a pastor giving the annual prayer at the National Cemetery was told he could not use Jesus’ name. A federal judge blocked the VA’s attempt to censor him and the two sides were back in court Tuesday.
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Attorney Jeff Mateer represents the Liberty Institute; he says the cemetery director won’t allow the use of “God” or “Jesus” unless the family submits the prayer in writing for her approval.
“In addition, director Arleen Ocasio has stated the National Memorial Ladies cannot tell families ‘God Bless,’ they cannot communicate in writing or orally,” says Mateer. “And that violates the U.S. Constitution.”
Marilyn Koepp is with the National Memorial Ladies. “I would have been appalled if when the VFW did my father’s funeral in 2004, if they could not have said ‘God,’ what is happening to our country?” she asks.
Vietnam veteran Nobelton Jones hands out shells from the 21-gun salute to families, but says the cemetery director is trying to censor him as well.
“On March 15, she said that at the District 4 ceremony, that I could not say ‘We wish that God grant you and your family grace, mercy and peace,’ she specifically said that,” claims Jones.
The case also has caught the attention of incoming state VFW president John Spahr.
“It is our contention and our concern that we be allowed to give this most humble and important tribute to brothers and sisters as they pass away,” says Spahr. “They are our comrades, and this probably the most sacred ritual in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.”
Calls seeking comment from cemetery director Ocasio were not returned, the VA says it can’t talk about ongoing litigation.
The two sides are due be back in court next month.