As the country moves closer to Memorial Day, Catholic veterans are one step closer to finally being able to have a crucifix on their headstones at Veterans Affairs (VA) cemeteries following a bipartisan push in Congress.
Most veterans can be buried for free at one of the 155 veterans’ cemeteries nationwide. On their headstone, they can choose from one of nearly 100 approved emblems of belief like Stars of David, Muslim crescents, Buddhist symbols, wiccan pentacles, and even the “atomic A” for atheism.
Currently, Christians have several different options to choose from, including the Latin Cross, the Celtic Cross, and various other denominational variations – but not the Catholic crucifix, meaning a cross with the body of Christ on it. This means that famous Catholic veterans, including President John F. Kennedy, cannot be honored with this central symbol of their faith.
Efforts are currently underway to change that, ensuring that the brave Catholic men and women who served this country and defended our freedoms have the option to be honored with the central symbol of their faith. The pending 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill would require the VA to offer the crucifix as an option, according to the Daily Signal.
But while that bill works its way through the legislative process, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins could take action right now to address the issue.
A letter to Collins led by Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) calls on the VA to offer the crucifix as a headstone emblem option immediately. Steube is an Army veteran himself, having served in the Iraq War.
“[W]e urge the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration to offer the crucifix as an eligible emblem of belief for inscription on headstones at national cemeteries,” the letter states.
Steube’s letter was signed by 45 members of Congress, including 42 Republicans and three Democrats. It specifically asks Secretary Collins and Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown – an Army veteran who was seriously wounded in Afghanistan – to protect the “religious freedom” rights of Catholic veterans.
The letter argues that, as things currently stand, wiccans and humanists have more rights in VA cemeteries than Catholics: “While even atheists, humanists, and wiccans have an eligible emblem of belief for inscription, Catholic veterans do not currently have the option to select a crucifix, an emblem of belief that most accurately represents the faith of nearly twenty percent of all veterans.”
During a Congressional hearing, Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), a co-signer of Steube’s letter, shared the concerns of a deceased Vietnam War veteran who was denied a request to have the crucifix on his tombstone.
“His brother Neil realized that it was not an eligible emblem and raised the issue,” with Steube’s office. “This amendment fixes that issue. It ensures that every veteran can be laid to rest with the reverence their service deserves and in a manner consistent with their faith.”
Moore further explained the importance and momentum behind his push.
“I’m not sure why some of us who are Catholic had not been made aware of this previously,” he told The Daily Signal. “I mean, this is ridiculous.”
Even notorious purple-haired progressive Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) signed on to Steube’s letter. Referring to her, Moore said that he “[h]ad to give her credit as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee” for backing the bill.
Veterans Affairs Spokesman Quinn Slaven told AMAC Newsline that the department “is looking into the lawmakers’ request and will answer their letter directly.”
For Catholics, especially those grieving the loss of a loved one, the crucifix specifically – not just the cross – is a symbol of hope and faith for the future. “The crucifix is an incredible reminder of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, which are all central aspects of the Catholic faith,” EWTN News explains.
Some skeptics may also question why Catholic veterans who want a crucifix on their headstone don’t just pay for a private burial in a non-VA cemetery where they would have more freedom to choose an emblem of their choice.
For starters, the cost of a burial is significant, with even a basic burial and casket starting off around $3,000. That does not include the cost of a visitation, funeral service, flowers, and other related expenses.
Secondly, veterans who served our country are entitled, by the nature of their sacrifice, to a dignified burial. It is a reasonable payment the country can make as a final show of thanks for those, like the aforementioned Vietnam veteran, who put their lives on the line for our country.
Going all the way back to the Mayflower and Plymouth Plantation, religious liberty has been a cornerstone of American identity. While our nation of 330 million has a wide array of faiths and beliefs, we are united in our commitment to protecting the right of everyone to worship as they wish.
Allowing crucifixes on headstones at veteran cemeteries is a common-sense step to preserve and advance this proud legacy. It is high time that deceased Catholic veterans receive the same basic privilege afforded to other faith traditions.
Matt Lamb is an AMAC Newsline contributor and associate editor for The College Fix. He previously worked for Students for Life of America, Students for Life Action, and Turning Point USA. He previously interned for Open the Books. His writing has also appeared in the Washington Examiner, The Federalist, LifeSiteNews, Human Life Review, Headline USA, and other outlets. The opinions expressed are his own. Follow him @mattlamb22 on X.
If they allow Wiccan and atheist symbols, they should allow the crucifix. However, Jesus is NOT on the cross; He is ALIVE in Heaven and it was his RESURRECTION that allows us to live.
It is ridiculous thar Catholics can’t have the emblem of their choice.
I was not aware that the crucifix was not allowed on the headstones. Of course, it is just another way by the radical liberals to remove Christian’s rights while allowing non Christians to display what they desire.
Yes needed worldwide at US cemetary sites
Since when is the crucifix a “Catholic” symbol? Yes, it is important in the Catholic Church but also used in the Lutheran, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches. The crucifix is a symbol of Jesus’s suffering and is an important symbol for MANY Christians not just Catholics.
Since when is the VA involved in religion? I thought there were no atheists in foxholes.
The denial of a crucifix for Catholic headstones should be considered in direct violation of the first amendment, PERIOD!
Catholic is good to die for the country but not good enough to have a cross on his head stone. Weasels would not dare to deny religious symbols of others , why don’t we ask Pope what he thinks.
Welp. I wanna be cremated, and my ashes spread out in the creek riffles.
The crawdads and the catfish will know what to do…
I always enjoy driving by the local cemeteries on election day , and seeing all the little flags that say I Voted .