Roberta Stewart touches the spot at the Northern Nevada Veterans memorial wall where her husband's plaque should have been placed to honor his giving his life in the service of his country. Photo by CATHLEEN ALLISON/SPECIAL TO THE REVIEW-JOURNAL

CARSON CITY -- A Fernley war widow who has been unsuccessful in her efforts to get a Wiccan religious symbol recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for her husband's memorial plaque will hold an alternative memorial service next Monday as a form of protest.

Roberta Stewart said she will hold the "Sgt. Patrick Stewart Freedom for All Faiths" memorial service at a Fernley park after being denied the opportunity to speak at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery service on Memorial Day.

"Everybody is invited," Stewart said. "We're going to raise the flag Pat sent home from Afghanistan."

The ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m., 90 minutes before the official ceremony at the veterans ceremony, which is located in Fernley. Stewart later will place a wreath with the Wiccan symbol at the spot where her husband's plaque is planned to be installed at the veterans cemetery.

Patrick Stewart, who practiced the Wiccan religion with his wife, was one of five military men killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan in September. Stewart served in Afghanistan as a member of Company D, 113th Aviation, of the Nevada National Guard.

Roberta Stewart has been trying for months to get the veterans agency to recognize the pentacle, the Wiccan five-pointed star with one point facing up enclosed in a circle, as an emblem that can be used in veterans cemeteries. So far the agency has not approved the request. It has recognized other emblems over the years, including one for atheists, Buddhists and for many Christian denominations.

Stewart's plaque with the symbol cannot be placed at the cemetery until it is approved for use. The spot where his plaque would be is blank.

Roberta Stewart has received support from members of Nevada's congressional delegation and from the Nevada National Guard in her quest.

"I would like the Department of Veterans Affairs to have some compassion for my family," she said. "I am disappointed that my country has tormented me and my family in this manner."

Wiccans, also known as neopagans, are a loosely confederated group of religious practitioners who are also referred to as nature religious practitioners. Their beliefs date back to before Christianity and focus on the natural world. Many of their observances fall around specific times of the year, such as the summer and winter solstice.

Wiccans may write rituals for themselves or their coven to recognize life passages, such as the onset of puberty, graduation or marriage. Wiccans sometimes refer to themselves as "white," or good, witches. Stewart said a primary tenet of the religion is "do no harm."

The Rev. Selena Fox, senior minister of a Wiccan group based in Wisconsin called Circle Sanctuary, has been pushing for recognition of the symbol as well. No other emblem has taken so long to win approval, she said.

The approval process was begun by a different Wiccan group several years ago, Fox said.

Circle Sanctuary is working with Stewart, and Fox said she even visited with William Tuerk, under secretary for memorial affairs within the veterans department, earlier this year to urge him to make a decision quickly.

Fox said the last emblem of belief approved by the agency, for followers of the Sikh religion, was approved in a matter of a few weeks just two years ago.

"Why is this small town having two separate veterans memorial events," Fox said. "It's because there has been no decision on the pentacle. We need to honor every soldier who has served with their own religious emblem, especially for a fallen soldier like Sergeant Stewart. He should get the respect he deserves promptly."

The memorial will be held at the Out-of-Town Park, located at the corner of U.S. Highway 50 and Farm District Road.

The Veterans Department could not be reached for comment.

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