Atheist Soldier Stands Ground in Spite of Threats for Refusing to Participate in Military Graduation [View All]

[cleanhippie]

Yesterday morning, at a rehearsal for their AIT graduation at Fort Jackson, which was being held in a chapel, the graduating soldiers were ordered to bow their heads and clasp their hands in front of them while an invocation was being given. One soldier refused to do this, and immediately shot of an email from his iPhone to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) while the rehearsal was still going on. The email began: “I graduate tomorrow from AIT, and an invocation is being given in which I am a captive audience and am being ordered to bow my head and clasp my hands in front of me.”

Mikey Weinstein responded by sending the soldier his cell phone number. The soldier responded, “Will call when able. May be pulling me from graduation. Have to see commander and 1SG.”

--snip--

I was then sent to see my company commander and 1st SG. I told them my issue and was again told it was unfounded. I was told that if I did not bow my head and clasp my hands that I would be subject to UCMJ punitive action. As I refuse to compromise on my beliefs, the idea that my military career could be cut short due to standing up for my beliefs frightened me. I was told I could do it or call the inspector general.

When I returned to the chapel, I asked my cadre if I could call IG. He told me to wait until after practice. I was then again ridiculed by my peers, however I stood my ground. Shortly thereafter, my commander came to me and told me that bowing was now suddenly ‘optional’ and that I could remain at attention.

Mr. Weinstein moved remarkably fast on this, and I believe that my cadre’s knowledge that I already had a lawyer from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation in the loop is what caused them to change their blatantly unconstitutional order.

http://freethoughtblogs.com/rodda/2011/10/20/atheist-soldier-stands-their-ground-in-spite-of-threats-for-refusing-to-participate-in-military-graduation-prayer/

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I just don't understand. What is so damned difficult about NOT FORCING PEOPLE TO PRAY????????? Why do we have to go through this nonsense day after day after day.....