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The co-founder of a Rhode Island atheist group said Thursday that a cross-topped war memorial in Woonsocket that's been targeted by another atheist group should stay.
Jason LaRose lives in Woonsocket and is a co-founder of Ocean State Atheists.
He said his group agrees with many believers who want the veterans monument left alone.
La Rose said the cross does not promote a belief in Christianity, and that it's a waste of time and money for both Woonsocket and the Wisconsin atheists to turn the memorial into a costly legal fight.
"We disagree that it should be removed. It only represents the soldiers who were killed, who were most likely Catholics," LaRose said.
The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote to Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine saying the Christian cross on a 1921 monument on city property is unlawful because it violates the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.
Fontaine on Wednesday called those seeking the removal of the cross "knuckleheads."
He said he's had hundreds of calls and e-mails, including from law firms offering to defend against a potential lawsuit.
Lt. General Reginald Centracchio, the former leader of the Rhode Island National Guard, is hosting a rally in support of the war memorial at 4:30 p.m. on May 2.
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