Group says Vietnam veteran memorial is 'unconstitutional'
»Play Video
COOS BAY, Ore. -- Should a Vietnam Veteran's memorial be removed from a Coos Bay park? One group thinks so.
A separation of church and state watchdog group wants the City of Coos Bay to remove the memorial from Mingus Park because they say it's unconstitutional.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation sent Coos Bay City Manager Rodger Craddock a letter saying the memorial itself isn't the problem, it's the cross resting on top.
They say it's an, "endorsement of Christianity over other religions and over nonreligion," and must be removed "immediately".
>>>Read the letter here
Craddock says the issue isn't unique to Coos Bay. "The city received it (the letter) and we passed it off to our city attorney to review that and relevant case law," he said. "Obviously these issues are happening around the nation."
The memorial was donated and placed in the park in 1972 by Western Bank and the Bay Area Jaycees.
Some people at Mingus Park told KCBY News that they have no problem with the cross.
Donna Marsh and Sharron Cox were at the park on Tuesday, and they think it should stay put. "Well, it's not unconstitutional, it just is not! God is in our constitution, and a cross, and if the city wants to put one up in a park I think they should be allowed to do that."
You can voice your opinion at a public meeting at the Coos Bay Public Library on April 2.
The attorney for the group asking for the memorial to be removed is scheduled to speak to KCBY News on Wednesday.
Do you think the memorial should be removed? Log in and leave a comment below:
I just think people need to grow up, get over it, and quit telling everyone else what to do, or think, or say, or eat, or drink, or whatever, and learn to mind their own business. There ARE other parks. If you don't like the one with the cross, if it bothers you THAT MUCH, then go to a different park. On the way there, you might look for a good therapist, because if that's all you have to focus on, you have way too much free time on your hands. Seek help. Or a life. Or both.
If the FFRF wants to ninpick then look at the money they spend everyday, it says "In God we trust" so do they have a problem with that. The constitution was based on Christiananity and they cant deny that. Anything to have them look good. What a crock.
I agree with Krissty 100%. I am not at all religious, but as long as they're not hurting anybody, why should I care? Don't look at it if you don't like it. People need to be a little more tolerant. On both sides.
i personally think the whole religious thing has gotten way out of hand now a days! its just crazy and highly annoying! dont get me wrong or anything i am most deffinatly NOT religious in any way but as far as i am concerned... to each their own...as long as someone isnt standing there trying to force their religion on me and telling me i am wrong i could care less what other people choose to believe in! if someone wants to have a damn cross on their grave when they pass who cares let them! honestly what is it hurting
Isn't it strange how The Freedom From Religion Foundation thinks they speak for everyone. When they die off, and they will, they can have a markless grave, but most Americans want a cross on their grave-sites. There is nothing in the constitution about the separation of church and state. The White House is covered with crosses and Biblical verses carved in the walls.