UPDATE: Marine Base Commander decides controversial sign will remain in place. Good call?

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 19:49:53 -0400

A Marine Corps base in Hawaii has decided to keep a controversial “God bless the military” sign that has riled some activists in recent weeks, saying that the placard serves as a “secular symbol.”
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation complained late last month that the sign at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, was inappropriate and should be moved to the base chapel, but a commander has declined that request.
Commander Col. Sean C. Killeen sent a letter on Friday to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, explaining that the sign — which reads in full, “God bless the military, their families and the civilians who work with them” — will not be taken down.
“This sign will remain in its present location and not be altered in any way,” the commander wrote.
Killeen said that, following an intense legal review, it was determined that the sign is secular and does not represent a sectarian stance, the Associated Press reported.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Oct 12 at 2015 7:59 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 19:59:12 -0400

Heard, Understood, Acknowledged SIR......

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 12 at 2015 8:03 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:03:27 -0400

I am sure we will see a good commander "moved" if it is determined to be a bad call by the higher HQs.....I agree with his call - especially after a thorough legal review.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Oct 12 at 2015 8:11 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:11:54 -0400

As an atheist I have no issue with this sign, yeah don't care, it holds no true importance to anything. The issue i have is "religious freedom".. freedom for who? Christians? what about the rest of us.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 12 at 2015 9:17 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 21:17:39 -0400

Ever notice EVERYONE is cool with In God We Trust on their money?

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Oct 12 at 2015 11:21 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 23:21:27 -0400

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS Give that Colonel a cigar!!!

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 9:07 AM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 09:07:59 -0400

As an atheist, I can say: who cares? Its a sign, not an official statement. Even if the commander came out and said "This is a Protestant sign" it doesn't matter; fine by me if you ask your God to bless me and my brothers and sisters.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 9:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 09:34:22 -0400

Good call indeed! It's about time somebody stands up for what they believe! Unfortunately though, like CSM Uhlig said, I am sure we will see a good commander moved.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 15 at 2015 11:06 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 11:06:22 -0400

I fully support the local commander in his decision to have this sign stay. Where I do see a future issue is when other religious groups decide that they too want a sign of their faith saying that their holy deity supports the troops. With his decision to keep this one up, he's also limiting his ability to say no to anyone else. And it's just a matter of time before someone will test this.