[news] Atheist group wants firefighter's 91-year-old war memorial and prayer removed

source:

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/firefighters-prayer-center-of-religious-debate-20120424

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (FOX 25) - "The Firefighter's Prayer" is a creed dear to firefighters all over the United States; however, that prayer and a monument in Woonsocket, R.I. are under fire by a national group which says the department is blurring the lines of religion.

Tom Poole, a disabled veteran, is one of many in Woonsocket trying to protect a cross that stands on top of a monument located in the parking lot of the city's fire station on Cumberland Hill Road.

The monument was erected 91 years ago to honor Woonsocket war veterans, including the three brothers killed in WWII.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation wants the cross removed on the grounds that the monument violates the separation of church. The group also wants the Woonsocket Fire Department to remove "The Firefighter's Prayer" and a picture of an angel from its website because it is a direct violation of the First Amendment and the Constitution.

Roger Jalette, Sr., a long-time Woonsocket City Councilor, told FOX 25 that it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight the group in court. The city is currently facing the possibility of bankruptcy and does not necessarily have the money to fight this battle.

The city may have to rely on residents to bear this cross.

Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/firefighters-prayer-center-of-religious-debate-20120424#ixzz1t8BGLDeo