VA Cemetery Director Tells Volunteers to Take "God" Out of Their Vocabulary
HOUSTON, Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Liberty Institute releases a series of videos of those most affected by the Houston National Cemetery's policies and practices banning the mention of God and prayer during funeral services at the cemetery. Liberty Institute will be back in court on Monday at 9 a.m. for a status conference with Federal District Judge Lynn Hughes in the Rainey et al. v. VA et al. case, which began when Liberty Institute client Pastor Scott Rainey was told he couldn't pray in Jesus' name at the cemetery.
The three-part video series features statements from members of the VFW District 4 Honor Guard, National Memorial Ladies volunteers, and deceased veterans' families who were negatively affected by the VA's policies and practices banning "God" and prayer.
Truth Bomb #2: National Memorial Ladies Told to Take "God" out of Their Vocabulary
The National Memorial Ladies, comprised of about 37 volunteers, attends approximately 60 funerals a week to ensure that no veteran is ever buried alone. The Ladies attend the funerals and give handwritten condolence cards to the families of the deceased veterans. The Ladies are always sensitive to the religious background of the family, which they often ascertain from whether or not clergy is present at the burial and their interaction with and observance of the family members.
Houston National Cemetery Director Arleen Ocasio told members of the National Memorial Ladies that they must take "God" out of their vocabulary.
She also told the Ladies that they could not speak or write the words "God," "God Bless You," "Jesus," or even "I'm praying for you."
Director Ocasio also banned the women from giving gifts to the families of those killed in action. For these families, the Ladies gave cross necklaces to girls, cross wall hangings to babies, and a Bible with the veteran's name engraved on it. Other groups were allowed to give their secular gifts to families. Any gifts with a religious theme, however, were prohibited.
Watch the Truth Bomb #2 video online at www.DontTearUsDown.com. Tomorrow Liberty Institute will release more video testimonials.
Liberty Institute works to uphold First Amendment freedoms in the courts, legislature and public square.
SOURCE Liberty Institute
