Fireworks of a Different Nature on 4th of July

July 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Houston, TX - The lack of fireworks due to drought conditions didn’t deter the fireworks at the Houston National Cemetery on July 4th. There were those who perpetuated the American legacy by protesting the funeral director's edicts against freedom of religion and free speech at funeral services.

Protesters converged on the Houston National Cemetery, the nation’s second largest cemetery for Veterans, to object to the cemetery director’s restriction of religious expression. Arleen Ocasio has banned the words “God” and “Jesus Christ” from burial ceremonies, removed the Bible and the cross from the chapel, shut down the chapel and turned it into a ‘meeting facility.’ These actions have ignited fireworks of a different nature, not only in the Greater Houston area, but throughout the country. Congressman Ted Poe of the 2nd District of Texas, has championed the cause and is asking that the funeral director be terminated. What's particularly disturbing is that the heroes buried in our national cemeteries died to protect our freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Especially poignant…one veteran in the crowd who found it difficult to be there, but essential.  He had just buried his wife at this cemetery less than a month ago, and was unable to have a chapel service because he was told it was ‘undergoing restoration.’ His family and friends were limited to a 30-minute graveside service. Although TSGT David Walters, USAF Retired, my brother-in-law and the widower of my sister, has served out his military service, he said his duty to protect the American Constitution will prevail.


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