VA Updates Policy Regarding Publicly Viewable Displays

VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement to the press, “We want to make sure that all of our veterans and their families feel welcome a (the) VA, no matter their religious beliefs. Protecting religious liberty is a key part of how we accomplish that goal”.
 
The policy outlines that religious imagery may be included in “passive displays” — defined as a wall, table, or monument — as long as the usage simply reflects the role of faith in the lives of the people and does not “elevate” one religion over another.
 
“Religious symbols may be included in a passive display, including a holiday display, in public areas of VA facilities, if the display is of the type that follows in the longstanding tradition of monuments, symbols, and practices that simply recognize the important role that religion plays in the lives of many Americans” .
 
While not mentioned specifically in its press release, the directives would enshrine the right for Bibles to be included in POW/MIA “Missing Man” tables.