Statement of County Executive Baker: Veterans' Day and Stance on Peace Cross in Bladensburg

Press Release

 

 

For Immediate Release:

November 9, 2016

 

For Information Contact:

Scott L. Peterson

Press Secretary/Deputy Communications Manager

Phone: 240-619-9400

 

Statement From County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III

Veterans’ Day Statement and Stance on Peace Cross in Bladensburg

 

Upper Marlboro, MD - Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, released this statement in honor of Veterans’ Day as well as his stance on the current judicial debate over the Peace Cross in Bladensburg, MD:

 

“Prince George’s County is home to nearly 70,000 veterans and I salute each one, along with all veterans across this State and nation who have served this country.  Thanks to their service, our lives are free, safe and protected. It is with tremendous gratitude and pride that we honor them on this day. I encourage all Prince Georgians to take the time to say ‘thank you’ to a veteran and show support for all they have done in service for us.

 

On this Veterans’ Day, Prince George’s County finds itself in the middle of a unique judicial case over one of the County’s most historic landmarks - the Peace Cross in Bladensburg, MD – a 40 foot high monument that was erected to honor 49 men from Prince George’s County who lost their lives in World War I.  Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit said the memorial “has the primary effect of endorsing religion and excessively entangles the government in religion.”

 

In honor of those Prince Georgians who sacrificed their lives during World War, I support the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, upon whose land the Peace Cross sits, in their appeal of this ruling and hope that our Bladensburg Peace Cross remains in the same location as it has been since it was built in 1925.  Our Peace Cross serves our County as a constant reminder of their tremendous sacrifice.

 

Veterans’ Day is a time of the year when we are reminded that ‘freedom is not free.’  It is my hope that we remember to be grateful for the service of our active armed forces every day of the year.  We are thankful to them, and to the thousands of soldiers and their families who have served our country and have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. May our County’s commitment to our veterans and service members never waiver.” 

 

###