3 Wiccan widows couldn’t believe this day had finally arrived.

It was certainly a memorial day to celebrate – but, to honor their husbands who fought for this country.

After years of battling the Federal Department Veterans Affairs, the Wiccan symbol made it’s Memorial Day debut on their head stones.

“I think he would be pleased of how his service is being acknowledged. An acknowledgment that is literally written in stone,” widow Karen DePolito said.

DePolito was joined by fellow Wiccan widows Roberta Stewart and Sandra Wilkey standing by the headstones of their dead husbands who served in the military.

In a place adorned by the symbols of the military, the military finally recognized the symbol belonging to them.

“I’m happy today to list on the triumphant side of the balance and share it with everyone here,” DePolito said.

“Thank you all for this wonderful day where religious freedom has finally prevailed for everyone,” widow Roberta Stewart said.

As Memorial Day ceremonies go, this was one all its own.

People cried in honor of their loved ones and to celebrate the newfound way they can express their religious freedom.

But Wiccan Reverend Selena Fox reminded those who came what it took to happen.

“It’s very much a sad day when grieving widows have to sue the government with elected officials and presidential appointed officials to uphold the Constitution,” Fox said.

Updated: May 30, 2007, 7:08 pm

On this day of national remembrance the story of three Wiccan widows
and a
Pentacle etched in stone is being told all over the world. Three
widows,
all members of Circle Sanctuary have gathered at church headquarters
this
weekend, and are reflecting upon their husbands, their lives, their
deaths,
and equal rights for the Wiccan religion.

*”Now that I’ve seen Jerome’s burial site up close, I’m starting to
really
feel the accomplishment we’ve made. I’m very pleased with the
gravestone
at the Circle Cemetery site, and I believe he is as well.”

Karen DePolito of Utah
widow of Jerome Birnbaum, Korean War Veteran

*”Douglas was Wiccan as long as he could remember. Having a pentacle
on
his gravestone and being recognized for who he is means the world to
both
of us. His remains are now at peace in their new home at Circle
Cemetery.
He fought for Freedom for twenty-four years and now, finally he is
Free.”

Sandra Wilkey of Kentucky
widow of Douglas Wilkey, Korean War & Vietnam War Veteran

*”Today is a great day, not only for myself, but for other Wiccan
families.
This Memorial Day at last I am having closure. Our fight for religious
freedom is over, and my husband, Sgt. Patrick Stewart can rest in
peace.
For the first time since Patrick’s death, I don’t feel as if he died in
vain. May all our soldiers be blessed and remembered on this very
special
Memorial Day.

Roberta Stewart of Nevada
widow of Sgt. Patrick Stewart, Desert Storm Veteran &
Killed in Action in Operation Enduring Freedom

Reflections on the Memorial Day Wiccan Veteran Gravestone Dedication by
Rev. Selena Fox, who will be facilitating the ceremony. She is Senior
Minister of Circle Sanctuary and Executive Director of Circle Cemetery,
Wisconsin’s first conservation cemetery.

*This Memorial Day, we gather to remember and honor the lives and
service
of our veterans who have died and to dedicate their newly issued VA
gravestones with pentacles. We gather to support their widows in
finally
bringing closure to marking the sites of their husband’s remains at our
church cemetery. We also gather to celebrate our victory in upholding
religious freedom — and to envision, pray and work for a world with
liberty and justice for all.

Wiccans, Christians, and those of other faiths from Wisconsin, Ohio,
Nevada, Minnesota, Michigan, Utah, Illinois, Kentucky, and elsewhere
across the nation are traveling to Barneveld, Wisconsin to take part in
the nation’s first Memorial Day Dedication of Wiccan veteran
gravestones
with pentacles.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, the church will be open for arrivals
at
9:30am. A press briefing will be held 10-10:30am. The Dedication will
be
held 11am-12:30pm and will be followed by a reception from 1-4 pm.

To the Women,

For many years I have practiced a monthly “Moon Lodge” in private. A Moon Lodge is for women who honor their sacred blood. Within the past few centuries, women have been made to feel ashamed and “dirty” during their menstruation. I feel a need to reach out to my Sisters, to once again see our blood for what it is, (a powerful, beautiful, and creative force) and create a Moon Lodge.

This is a call to women who want to welcome their “moontime” and experience the magic and creativity that our blood awakens in each of us, each month. A Moon Lodge is for ALL women during their menstrual years.

Even if this is not for you, please pass this along to more Women. Sorry, Men, this is for Women only. If there is any women out there interested in joining me in developing a Sacred Moon Lodge here in Wisconsin or have something positive to add, please send me an email.

Dark and Loving Blessings,
The Crone