The cross-shaped monument stands 40 foot tall and was built in memory of the 49 men of Prince George’s County who died in World War I. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision that the World War I memorial in the shape of a 40-foot-tall cross can continue to stand on public land in Maryland. The high court’s 7-2 decision in favor of allowing the cross to stand, clarifies the fact that the mere shape of a monument does not create an “Establishment” of religion. Therefore, the nearly 100-year-old memorial will be allowed to stay on public land. The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ amicus brief is cited in the opinion.
“The Supreme Court made the right call,” said VFW National Commander B.J. Lawrence. “Today’s decision not only protects this memorial outright, but helps to establish a precedent to protect thousands of other veterans' memorials that currently reside on federal, state or municipal land.
“My hat’s off to all of the organizations that joined the VFW in filing amicus briefs concerning this case.”