WASHINGTON D.C. (Eagle News Service) — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments today, Wednesday, February 27, 2019, in the combined cases of the American Legion versus American Humanist Association and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission versus American Humanist Association.
At the heart of the case is a 40-foot (12-meter) memorial known as the Bladensburg Peace Cross that was dedicated in 1925 in commemoration of those from Prince George’s County who died in World War I. The memorial, however, sits on land owned by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and uses government funds for its upkeep.
Those pushing for its removal argue that the memorial violates the separation of church and state and says that by letting the cross remain it appears the government favors religions that use the cross as a symbol of their faith.
Those against the removal claim that the cross in this situation is not a religious symbol but a secular memorial erected to honor those who died in World War I.
(Eagle News Service)
