Nov 21, 2004 / 22:00 pm
In an effort to save a 43-foot concrete cross atop Mount Soledad in San Diego, the Thomas More Law Center and other citizens’ groups have launched a national petition, urging federal officials to declare the Mount Soledad Veterans War Memorial a national memorial.
In addition to the cross, the 50-year-old historic site in San Diego includes plaques honoring the service of thousands of United States veterans from all wars. The cross has been the subject of a 15-year federal lawsuit brought by an atheist that resulted in a federal court order requiring the Mt. Soledad Cross to be removed.
Law Center attorneys believe a successful petition effort to have Mt. Soledad designated a National Memorial would allow the cross to remain.
The petition quotes from a May 22, 2001 letter by President George W. Bush, describing the Soledad site as a “place to reflect on our past, be inspired by true American patriots, and offer war veterans our heartfelt gratitude for the freedom we all enjoy today.”
To sign the petition, go to: http://www.thomasmore.org/soledad.html