Wiccan Pentacles Grace Veterans’ Markers

Wicca is an earth-based religion which some believers describe as "neo-pagan". Its principles and teachings are largely based on a reverence for nature and the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and the soul. The five-pointed star contained within a circle -- or pentacle -- is said to represent these elements. But Hollywood movies have shown the pentacle and variations in a Satanic context, prompting many people to associate Wicca with devil-worship.

Many Wiccans think it's this association that has fueled resistance to permitting the Pentacle to be engraved on veterans' headstones. For nearly a decade, Wiccan Priestess Selena Fox and others have taken the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs to court, arguing that their religious rights had been violated (previously approved symbols include the Muslim Crescent, Presbyterian Church glyph, and even one for atheists).

The September 2005 death of U-S Army Sergeant Patrick Stewart in Afghanistan reinvigorated Wiccans. Even critics were hard-pressed not to grant the fallen Wiccan soldier the religious symbol of his choice, and the Nevada Governor issued an official state marker bearing the symbol. According to Fox, further probing by the Wiccans' attorneys showed evidence of discrimination against the Wiccan religion. Between these developments and continuing pressure by religious-freedom groups, the Department of Veterans Affairs relented to a settlement in late April 2007, granting use of the Pentacle and also compensating the Wiccans for their legal costs.

Since then, three Wiccan veterans' cremated remains have been brought to Circle Sanctuary, located in the rural area surrounding the south-central town of Barneveld, Wisconsin. Patrick Stewart, Douglas Wilkey, and Jerome Birnbaum had chosen the hilly, forested area as their final resting place. Two more Pentacle-markers for Abe Kooiman and Jan O'Roarke have been established in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington DC.

Wiccan leaders are hopeful that the inclusion of the Pentacle will both help people develop a better understanding of Wicca, and dispel Satanic stereotypes surrounding their chosen symbol. Some are simply glad to have the Pentacle available.

All photos on this page are of the March 28th, 2007 Memorial Day service for servicemen Stewart, Wilkey, and Birnbaum. Collectively, the three soldiers served in Korea, Vietnam, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Their widows and many comrades were also in attendance. (Photos by Brian Bull)