Faith

Air Force Base Won’t Remove Nativity Scene, Menorah From Holiday Display

Air Force Base Wont Remove Nativity Scene, Menorah From Holiday Display

The Air Force said Saturday it will not remove a nativity scene and menorah from Travis Air Force Base in California. (Image source: KXTV-TV)

A holiday display featuring a nativity scene and menorah will not be removed from an Air Force Base in California, officials announced Saturday.

The festive display is set up along a main drive heading into Travis Air Force Base and features statues of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, along with a large Hanukkah menorah. It’s part of a bigger display featuring Air Force jets and Santa Claus. Such holiday displays are a base tradition, according to Sacramento ABC affiliate KXTV-TV.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a civil rights group, had requested the religious items be removed or relocated after it said it received a complaint from a Travis airman.

“Both are clearly accessible on the main road,” a letter from the MRFF to the Air Force said. “This conspicuous display of ritual objects is a clear endorsement of religion in violation of the…First Amendment.”

“We’re asking for the major religious symbols, the creche and the menorah, to be moved to the chapel right on base,” it said.

But that’s not going to happen: The office of the Air Force Judge Advocate General, after legal review, has determined the display does not violate the Constitution, KCRA-TV reported.

“While we appreciate the concerns raised by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), the Office of the Air Force Judge Advocate General, upon review, concluded the inclusion of a Wing Chaplain sponsored Nativity Scene and Menorah as part of a broader, secular holiday seasonal display does not violate the establishment clause of the United States Constitution,” a statement from the Travis Air Force Base said.

Michael Weinstein, president and founder of the MRFF, said he found the timing of the Air Force’s announcement suspect.

“There is no mystery that the Air Force would not remove the unconstitutional display but we are just surprised it took so long. MRFF finds it disingenuous that this information was released on a Saturday before a holiday,” he said.

The group said it is prepared to continue the fight against the display and plans to file a federal lawsuit.

Comments (220)

1 2 3 ... 6
  • G.E.R
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:32pm

    When it comes to these people, I don’t know which is worse. Whiny, thinned skinned, hyper sensitive christians or whiny, thinned skinned, hyper sensitive atheists. Ultimately I just laugh at all of them and then ignore them.

    Report Post »  
    • garyM
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:37pm

      Yea ….ba ha..ba ha. you really ignored them!!!!!!! POST….as I said, everyone is controlled by some power!

      Report Post »  
    • Scooder
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 1:14pm

      You are a whiny, thin skinned, anonymous nothing.

      Report Post »  
    • G.E.R
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 1:18pm

      Please tell me you aren’t still practicing the religion you happened to be born into? Surely you’ve outgrown your baby clothes by now. Isn’t it time you also outgrew your baby religion?

      Report Post »  
    • hannahh
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:36pm

      Scooder that’s pretty funny. Kudos AF!

      Report Post »  
    • MamaP
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 9:03pm

      Good for them! I am an Ordained Minister, my husband is an atheist, our three children, one is agnostic, one wiccan, one christian! We make it work for 30 years, come on, agree to disagree and just love each other!

      Report Post »  
    • Kaoscontrol
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:16pm

      G.E.R.- the whole ‘religion you were born into’ argument is sooooo weak. So many who have converted to Christianity, chose it after wandering through many other religions and philosophies. Once we tasted of the goodness of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we’ve fallen in love. You should pray a little and see what happens. You might be a happier person!

      Report Post » Kaoscontrol  
    • ICEDRAGONNITE
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 12:32am

      You can’t just laugh at them any more. You have to take names and protest what they do. If enough of us write and protest they will quit. This will take time. but we can win.

      Report Post » ICEDRAGONNITE  
    • robbyjo
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 12:33am

      you know? it’s our fault that they get to carry on like this. we the People have right’s!!!!!!!!!!!!! and they know that and they take advantage of it!! i am a free American!!!! as free as the so called gov will let me,, so this is my quest to let the American people know that there is a thing called the Constitution and we really need as a country to learn it!!!!!!! and this is what keep’s our Country from becoming an other Germany in 1933. God Bless those who read’s this and God Bless America!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • robbyjo
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 1:10am

      it’s all about money,,,:(

      Report Post »  
    • alanvz43
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 5:43am

      US Constitution Ammendment I :
      Congress shall make no law RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH,OR OF THE PRESS, OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO PEACEABLY ASSEMBLE AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.

      FURTHER MORE: The 1st paragraph of the Constitution States: …PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE … SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY TO OURSELVES… AND OUR POSTERITY.

      For those who who do not have a full understanding of the English language those words mean that citizens or the people of the United States have the freedom to talk about write about , display, promote Their religion. That the congress shall pass no law for or against establishment of religion.
      IT DOES NOT SAY THE BRANCHES OF THE US GOVERNMENT OR TOWNS OR STATES CANNOT DISPLAY SYMBOLS OF RELIGION.
      In addition Article 1 sec. 1 assigns legislation to the Congress .
      article 3 sec. 2 … the supreme court shall have appellate juristiction UNDER SUCH REGULATIONS AS THE CONGRESS SHALL MAKE.
      SO FOR ALL INTENTS AND PUPOSES : THE SUPREME COURT CANNOT PASS ANY LAWS. THAT IS CONGRESSES JOB. IF THE SUPREME COURT CANNOT NO OTHER COURT CAN EITHER.

      Report Post »  
    • Raisingmy3boysright
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 8:27am

      It is MORE like “When it comes to these people, I don’t know which is worse. Whiny, thinned skinned, hyper sensitive atheists or whiny, thinned skinned, hyper sensitive Muslims”

      We as Christians feel sorry for these 2 groups of people because they are so deceived by Satan. You can take everything away from us, but you cannot take away what is in our hearts. Jesus will always be in our hearts no matter what the dictators of this country or dictators of the world try to do to take that away from us.

      Report Post » Raisingmy3boysright  
    • Doris
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 12:32pm

      If you are ignoring them how is it you are posting here?Dont you get tired of people trying to cut Christmas, God , Jesus, etc. out of our country? Cant you see they are just doing it because they can and right now they have an admin. that dislikes Christianity no matter what He says his faith is.Why are they so afraid of Christians? Why are you?The military has the right after fighting for our freedom for 10 yrs to have these religious items up for all to see. They fought for it.

      Report Post »  
    • Clara88
      Posted on December 20, 2011 at 3:03pm

      We NEED A Christian In The White House
      ““““““““““““““““`
      Veterans are supporting a VETERAN….Gov Rick Perry
      Our military deserves a Commander In Chief they can be PROUD of and RESPECT
      GOD BLESS OUR BRAVE MILITARY AND OUR BELOVED BRAVE VETERANS
      http://www.rickperry.org/veterans/
      AND..he doesn’t golf…he likes guns *SMILE*
      GOD BLESS THE 2ND AMENDMENT

      Report Post » Clara88  
  • flatdaddio
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:32pm

    Things the liberals don’t want you to know..
    A VOTERS’ GUIDE TO REPUBLICANS
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=x-oS4WLui3Q

    Report Post »  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:26pm

    I am proud of our Air Force!! Stand with Jesus and He will stand with you! I am also glad you included the Menorah!! God Bless them everyone!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 1:10am

      ABBYGIRL1994, We agree again.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • INTHEBEGININGGOD
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 5:37am

      Abbygirl1994, My Grandson is in the Airforce and I’m proud of him for what he is doing. But don’t get to hepped up with the Air forces stand on Christianity. The obama administration has abanded all chaplains from praying in Jesus’s name and has been told to remove all scripture verses and up to now all Christian crosses to be taken down all around the world on all our bases. Now what do you think. Abbygirl1994 did you know that Kim Jong Il of communist China has just died. What is America coming to? Anything to do with the Christian faith people want to ban.

      Report Post »  
    • Stu D. Baker-Hawk
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 7:29am

      While Travis AFB might have its head screwed on straight, so many other military installations don’t. I work at another air force base and haven’t seen a nativity scene in years… maybe even a decade or more. I learned long ago that with increased rank comes increased interest in maintaining ones career. I’ve seen first-hand many ‘traditions’ thrown to the wind because some field-grade/general officer was more in tune with the PC crowd than adhering to old-fashioned American values. Anyway, good for Travis AFB and THAT base’s leadership; maybe the base where I work will learn a lesson from all this.

      Report Post »  
    • old white guy
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 9:00am

      not sure what the menora has to do with Christmas.

      Report Post »  
    • 1776freedomofspeech
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 12:37pm

      Agreed AbbyGirl1994!

      Report Post » 1776freedomofspeech  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:21pm

    How can the display be in violation of the ;First Amendment? There was no demand or Order for the Military or Civilians to be or accept a Religion, Faith or way of life. The only constitutional violation comes from the, MRFF demanding the first Amendment cannot be exercised by the Air Force or Members of th Air Force. CARRY ON McDUFF p.s. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all to include the atheists and that one lonely Airman.

    Report Post »  
    • Ded-Bred
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:50pm

      Absolutely astonishing. The 1st time someone didn’t run or hide from these clowns. The atheist group has media calling them a “civil rights” group. Let us revel in a fond repast of the overwhelming numbers of civil rights activists: the Underground Railroad, these men and women who obeyed the laws of the land unless it went against GOD’s laws. Then they risked life & limb to help their fellow “children of God”. Martin Luther King, a man who openly worshiped and as a pastor led others to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
      Now there are these crybabies who have no backbone and merely wish to offend the God who created them and the martyrs who died serving God and all mankind. So, we go from the honor of seeking to live like Jesus to some imbeciles perverting the term “civil rights” as someone who has no respect for others. Civil rights? Gotta go vomit…..

      Report Post » Ded-Bred  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:18pm

    AIR FORCE !!!!!!!!!!!!
    Do NOT mess with them .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:17pm

    YES!!…FINALLY!!!
    The right interpretation of the Establishment Clause!!

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • E. Goldstein
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:16pm

    Atheists are true fanatics which is why they often support Islamic fanatics. Fanatics are fanatics first and their area of concentration second. Do not expect to ever make peace with an atheists. They will accept only the destruction of Christianity.

    Report Post »  
    • GodHatesFigs
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:47pm

      Which atheists support Islamic fascists?

      Report Post » GodHatesFigs  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 1:13pm

      There is no contradiction in atheists support of militant muslims.
      After all, religion is not their target. Christianity is.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 3:20pm

      @Rayblue
      “There is no contradiction in atheists support of militant muslims.
      After all, religion is not their target. Christianity is.”

      Are you saying Christianity is not a Religion?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 4:43pm

      Nope…

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • angelonquest2000
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:30pm

      i like the sentence in one christian song! ” the only thing religon made of me was a sinner with a stone tied to my feet! christianity is a spiritial relationship with God…..Anything to do with God and Jesus is all that the atheists go after……because a good enemy will only attack what is truth why should he go after something that is NOT a threat…..

      Report Post »  
    • ron2win
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 6:22am

      Their also liars and propaganda scheme artists.“Military Religious Freedom Foundation”.They are always coming up with titles to make them sound like they care about every ones rights ,when in actuality they’re pursuing their own political agenda. Every time these clowns heads pop up,it is always with only one dissenter.One person complains,then we are all argueing every ones rights.In the real world majority rules for the good of all.In the bazzaro world one persons rights are held above every one else’s in the name of fairness.We are all equal ,till you run into a lib prog,then it’s their definition of equal.

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:13pm

    So one airman complained about the nativity scene,don‘t like it don’t look at it,go worship what you want or be an atheist.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • NOBAMA201258
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 1:22pm

      We should have a national referendum on these kind of issues so the atheists can see how tiny a minority they are, I’m so tired of a few misguided morons making the rules for the rest of us!

      Report Post »  
  • leprechaun224
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:12pm

    A big thanks to the Air Force Judge Advocate General for the decision. Such displays, indeed, are Constitutional. In fact, prohibition of such displays are in contrast to the Constitution. See my “take” on all such attempts to thwart religious liberty:
    http://www.rrmiii.com/FreedomOFReligion/FreedomOFReligion.html

    Report Post »  
  • maverick2270
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:08pm

    Way to go Travis Air Force Base!!! I am sick and tired of the very few getting so flippin offended over something that is simply part of this holiday! like I heard in a song….if you don’t want to celebrate the reason for this season, then God bless, but if it offends you..I’ve got a solution…PUT A HELMET ON!!! this country was established on Christian principals, this is my country too…if you don’t like our values…move somewhere else and quit trying to change ours. It would be like me moving to Germany or some other country and complaining about what their government and values are and trying to change them…STUPID.

    Report Post »  
    • singleparent
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:39pm

      Correct…

      Report Post »  
    • ChristinaP55
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 3:41pm

      Spot on! This is the greatest country in the history of the world. If you don’t like it here – take a hike.Let’s see how you like it in some Godless country.

      Report Post »  
  • garyM
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:07pm

    The atheist are controlled by a power, they are slaves to the devil and that’s why they object to any reference to Jesus as a baby or any kind of appearance of Christ as God! If the were NOT controlled by an evil force, these things would not bother them! It’s the age old battle between good and evil!

    Report Post »  
    • Large Eagle
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:21pm

      Yes, yes…………Yes, yes, yes

      Report Post »  
    • ZomBrad
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:41pm

      Yup….”free-thinkers” who aren’t actually free, and are controlled by the FIRST “free-thinker”…..

      Word.

      Report Post »  
    • GodHatesFigs
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:51pm

      So if atheist are controlled by the devil, and they aren’t “free”, how is it fair for the Christian god to damn them for all eternity?

      Report Post » GodHatesFigs  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 1:51pm

      Back away from the eggnog.

      Seriously, talking about being a slave to the devil is not biblical.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • KAdams
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 9:41pm

      @Figs:
      Because they knowingly rejected Christ and salvation. The wages of sin (turning from God) is death.

      Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:05pm

    I hope I see a separation of an atheists face when it explodes from anger! Yea!

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • COFemale
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:03pm

    Go Air Force! I am so glad this group is getting exactly what they deserve; a slap in the face. The Supreme Court has already declared that displaying a Nativity scene is not “establishing a religion”, but this group will continue to brow beat people into submission. Kudo’s to Travis AFB in California.

    The Weinstein person was the same idiot who made the AF Academy cave when an airman sent out an email asking for volunteers for the Toys for Tots campaign and Weinstein threatened or file a lawsuit to prevent cadets from participating.

    I am so sick of these people, yet I am also thankful for if it wasn’t for them, I would be sitting quietly in my home reading the Bible, saying prayers, and praising God. Now they have awakened a fire in me to go yell to the mountain tops. When able, I will counter protest their protests.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:02pm

    I wonder: how can this be called “The Blaze”, and yet not allow open debate of religion? I tell you what, your “Blaze” against mine, and we will see whose sword is consumed?

    Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 1:31pm

      Why do we need a debate – I’ve read the Bible from beginning to end – You lose Satan.

      Report Post » db321  
    • angelonquest2000
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:26pm

      @DB321 i also like to read the end LOL we WIN!

      Report Post »  
  • El Gato *****
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:02pm

    The Grinch is alive – KUDOS to the USAF for standing up to the assault.

    Report Post » El Gato Negro  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:01pm

    Thanks Commander for standing up!

    Report Post »  
  • db321
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:00pm

    DO NOT – I REPEAT DO NOT REMOVE THIS NATIVITY SCENE – STAND!

    See how Texas residents reacted after being told to remove nativity scene – too many to count.

    http://www.kltv.com/story/16346961/thousands-pack-athens-courthouse-lawn-to-keep-nativity-scene

    Report Post » db321  
    • Steve0218
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:45pm

      This is very close to my home town Whitehouse. Proud of Athens people!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Look4DBigPicture
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:00pm

    Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:59am

    Good .. stand up to the tyranny !!!

    I am so sick of athiests trying to kill Christmas that I purchased and will for now ever display a Nativity in my yard at Christmas.

    Report Post »  
    • 2Write4
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 9:59pm

      Excellent response–if we all did that instead of appearing PC by doing nothing, maybe the atheists would realize they are a fraction of a minority and stop fighting a losing battle. And why should the majority bow to the minority just to seem ‘tolerant and supportive of diversity’ when salvation is the most important event in a person’s life? After all, the determination of where one spends eternity cannot be trumped……Christians should stand up and fight to defend their right to get the message out that Jesus is the one true way to the Father. We’ll never know how many might miss their own salvation because there are no longer Christmas displays showing the true message of Christmas. If we cannot bring up the subject during the celebration season of Jesus’ birthday, WHEN can we?

      Report Post » 2Write4  
  • lel2007
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:59am

    Kudos to the Air Force Judge Advocate General for courage and common sense. And I was beginning to lose faith in the U.S.Air Force, well the Air Force Academy anyway.

    Report Post » lel2007  
    • COFemale
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 12:10pm

      With you on this one. I was so disappointed with the AF Academy. I no longer support them. They started going downhill a long time ago.

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:59am

    All’s fair in debate, even religion, and it’s your lack of faith which makes you weak.

    Report Post »  
  • thekuligs
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:58am

    DUDE, the Air Force base I live on has a Nativity too! It’s on the main road as well, NEXT TO THE CHURCH! It’s not unconsitutional, though I am sure it would make you thrilled to prohibit military members from practicing any religion; that won’t happen. So shove it.

    Report Post » thekuligs  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:57am

    I’m going to vote for a LDS for President, and that way when he shoves his religion down your throat, then you’ll understand.

    Report Post »  
  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:56am

    ATHEISTS..

    Trying to kill joy wherever they find someone having it.

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
  • AxelPhantom
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:55am

    Won’t remove the nativity. Good for them!

    Report Post »  
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