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Hello and Happy Thanksgiving Mr Weinstein,
We are following up with you regarding a new development at VAMC Lexington's Bowling Campus. Some of us heard that the VAMC removed the entire missing man/fallen comrade table display and were able to verify that it is no longer displayed (see attached photos). First and foremost, we thank you for continuing to support and defend the Constitution by securing this victory against government proselytization for and with us.
That said, we are deeply disappointed in the lack of leadership at VAMC Lexington. As we noted previously, and as you conveyed to Director Armstead, we wanted to stop the government from proselytizing, not to stop the government from honoring those who remain missing in action and those who have fallen. It is too easy to remove material from a solemn memorial that suggests those who practice Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, non-faith traditions, other monotheist or polytheist beliefs, and even several forms of Christianity (e.g., Catholicism, Latter Day Saints, Christian Scientists, etc) are unacceptable members of the Veteran community who are undeserving and unworthy of remembrance. The "leadership", however, made their position clear. They value proselytizing above and beyond all else, including honoring those who came before and those still yet to come.
Director Armstead and his "leadership" team seem incapable of recognizing that every Service Member and Veteran, symbolically represented by the missing man/fallen comrade table, put on the uniform and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. They fail to understand that the Oath of Enlistment (10 USC §502(a)) is not an oath for the duration of an enlistment contract, obligated period of service, or even a Service Member's career. We made a lifetime commitment when we raised our hands and solemnly swore (or affirmed) that we would support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We believe that the Service Members and Veterans represented by that table would be proud to know that we and the Military Religious Freedom Foundation refused to allow the VAMC Lexington "leadership" to sully their honor and sacrifice by disrespecting and disregarding the Constitution we all swore a lifetime to protect and defend, even if it means the "leadership" chooses to honor them no longer.
Again, Mr Weinstein, we are incredibly thankful for your and the Military Religious Freedom Foundation's efforts to help us stop this egregious act of disrespect and dishonor by the leadership of this VAMC and achieve victory for the rights of all Veterans, Service Members, and civilians. As our oath requires, we will remain vigilant to any additional efforts to defile, desecrate, or dishonor the memories and sacrifices of those who are gone, missing, or yet to come. We will reach out to you immediately if it ever occurs, and again, we will be victorious in our defense of the Constitution.
Thank you again for all of your help and assistance.
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