ICC Note: The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) has demanded that a sign reading “God Bless the Military” be removed or relocated from a Hawaii Marine base. MRFF has stated that the sign violates the US Constitution’s Establishment Clause unless it is placed in the chapel or completely removed. The Base Inspector’s Office is currently reviewing the matter and searching for any prior complaints.
By Heather Clark
09/26/2015 United States (Christian News Network) – A group that seeks to separate God from the military is demanding the relocation or removal of a sign at a Marine base in Hawaii that asks God’s blessing on the Armed Forces.
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) sent an email this week to Col. Sean Killeen, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, to take issue with a sign near the marina that reads, “God bless the military, their families, and the civilians who work with them.” It was reportedly erected following the September 11th attack of 2001.
Blake Page of MRFF asserts that the sign is a violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” He is demanding that the sign either be moved to the chapel or removed altogether.
“This sign is a brazen violation of the No Establishment clause of the Constitution, as it sends the clear message that your installation gives preference to those who hold religious beliefs over those who do not, and those who prefer a monotheistic, intervening God over other deities or theologies,” Blake wrote in the email to Killeen.
“We recognize the value that religious activity brings to the lives of many,” he continued, “however, this sign is not in keeping with the time, place, and manner restrictions required by law [or] for any military commander to bolster religious principles through the official authority given to their rank and position.”
Capt. Timothy Irish told the Marine Corps Times that the matter is currently under review.
