by John Quaglione
Right before Memorial Day weekend, I read about a legislative initiative that had received the support of my congressional representative, Nicole Malliotakis. The initiative encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to add the crucifix to its list of nearly 100 approved “emblems of belief” that may be placed on government-issued headstones and markers.
While many other religious symbols are represented, and the cross is already among the approved emblems, it is surprising that the crucifix has never been an option for the many Catholic war heroes who have served in our armed forces.
We all know that throughout our nation’s 250-year history, countless men and women of the Catholic faith have worn our country’s uniform. It is hard to believe that those who have died in action or as veterans have not had the option of having a crucifix placed on their grave. For Catholics, the crucifix is the most powerful image of our faith. It reminds us that Jesus died for our sins, and because of our belief in him, we will have life eternal.
Beyond any doubt, the crucifix should be permissible on a Catholic veteran’s grave. And now is the time to make the change. I am glad to see bipartisan efforts in Congress looking to make this happen, and I am hopeful that, despite the gridlock that captivates Washington, D.C., an agreement can be reached.
The Catholic War Veterans of the United States was incorporated over 91 years ago on May 19, 1935. At that time, Pope Pius XI gave his blessing to this organization, which was ready to serve both God and country.
Since that time, this organization of veterans has established a presence throughout the United States, with the most recent data showing nearly 10 million Catholic veterans and 1.4 million active members. And of all those who have gone before, buried in national military cemeteries throughout the country, not one grave is marked with the crucifix.
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, based in Washington, D.C., plays a vital role in bringing the Catholic faith to service members wherever they are stationed. Unlike a traditional diocese, it has no geographic boundaries. Instead, its mission extends across U.S. military communities worldwide.
It is in part for these men and women who gather for Mass on Sundays that we must change this rule. They should have the option to include a crucifix on their headstones to identify their faith in Jesus Christ.
This should be an easy decision for VA Secretary Doug Collins and his team. There is nothing controversial here. There is no reason for delay or debate. If you were an able Catholic who served and defended our nation in uniform, you should be able to have a crucifix on your headstone.
The question is, why is this not a choice already?
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, this would be a fitting moment to make this change. Allowing the crucifix as an approved emblem on a headstone would give families of Catholic veterans a deeper sense of peace and comfort when they entrust their loved ones to the Lord’s care. On behalf of a grateful nation, our military men and women deserve this recognition.
John Quaglione is the deputy press secretary for the Diocese of Brooklyn and regularly publishes on Substack — @johnquaglione.