A peace cross in Maryland is facing the wrath of the American Humanist Association, but not without defense.
"We've got a World War I cross, a veterans' memorial that was put up in the 1920s to honor 49 men who lost their lives in World War I," Jeff Mateer of Liberty Institute details about the history of the 40-foot cross in Bladensburg. "A group out of D.C., the American Humanists, [is] demanding that the state of Maryland tear down the cross that stood there for 87 years."
The same area where the cross is displayed also features memorials to World War II, Korea, Vietnam and 9/11. So a small group of atheists, according to the attorney, appears to be trying to use "a hecklers' veto" to attack the majority.
Liberty Institute represents the American Legion.
"These veterans, the veterans from the American Legion, are committed to making sure that this memorial stands and that it continues to honor the selfless sacrifice and service of our veterans," Mateer relays.
If the American Humanist Association fulfills its threat of filing a lawsuit, Liberty Institute is prepared to go to court to make sure the cross remains in place.