Roberta Stewart, right, carries a wreath symbolizing the Wiccan faith at the veterans cemetery in Fernley on May 29. Photo by The Associated Press.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada state officials announced Wednesday they will authorize the creation and installation of a memorial plaque with the Wiccan symbol for the late Sgt. Patrick Stewart who died in Afghanistan almost one year ago.

The approval of the use of the plaque at the Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Fernley comes despite a federal agency's decision not to act on the request by Roberta Stewart, his widow, to approve the five-pointed star as an emblem of belief at veterans cemeteries across the country.

The decision to place the plaque with the pentacle symbol was reached after receiving legal advice from the Nevada attorney general's office that the Nevada Office of Veterans Services and the state have sole discretion over state veterans cemeteries.

The federal regulation cited in a news release from the Nevada Office of Veterans' Services states in part: "Neither the secretary nor any employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall exercise any supervision or control over the administration, personnel, maintenance or operation of any state veterans' cemetery."

"I want to thank the state of Nevada for their ongoing support in this issue and for standing up for the right thing for my husband and my family's sacrifice," Roberta Stewart said.

Stewart, who lives in Fernley, said she does not know if a plaque with the symbol, which has the five-pointed star in a circle with one point aimed straight up, will be ready in time for the Sept. 25 anniversary of her husband's death in Afghanistan. If not, Stewart said she would aim for the installation of the plaque on her husband's birthday on Oct. 21.

The state will have to find someone who can duplicate the memorial plaque exactly, she said.

"They will be starting from scratch," Stewart said.

Veterans Services Executive Director Tim Tetz said: "I promised his widow and many others that we would diligently pursue every option to make certain Sgt. Stewart received recognition for his contributions as an Army soldier, a Nevadan, and an American hero for his contributions to our country."

Although the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery has been developed and expanded by grants administered by the National Cemetery Administration, federal oversight and control of the cemetery is considerably limited in scope, Tetz said.

Brig. Gen. Cindy Kirkland, the adjutant general of Nevada's National Guard, said she was also pleased that Stewart can be honored according to his faith.

"We are proud of the combat service of every Nevada National guardsman, and I am pleased we are able to recognize Sgt. Stewart's sacrifice and the ideals for which he stood," she said.

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 can refer to themselves as "white," or good, witches. Stewart said a primary tenet of the religion is "do no harm."

Although Nevada is honoring her husband, Stewart said she will not stop in her quest to get the Wiccan symbol recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

William Tuerk, undersecretary for memorial affairs within the veterans department, met with Stewart earlier this summer in Washington, D.C. Stewart was told no action on approving the Wiccan pentacle would be taking place anytime soon.

"I hope the national veterans agency follows through so all soldiers of all faiths can be honored equally," Stewart said. "I don't want another widow to ever go through what I've gone through."

Sgt. Patrick Stewart, who wore dogtags with the Wiccan symbol as authorized by the military, was one of five military men killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. A colleague, Chief Warrant Officer John Flynn, was also killed. Stewart and Flynn served in Afghanistan as a member of Company D, 113th Aviation, of the Nevada National Guard.

Flynn's plaque is next to the spot where Stewart's plaque will be placed. The spot has remained vacant because Roberta Stewart refused to install a plaque without the Wiccan symbol.

Stewart was posthumously awarded the Air Medal, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Nevada Distinguished Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

The veterans agency has recognized many other emblems over the years, including one for atheists, Buddhists and for many Christian denominations.

Roberta Stewart gained support for her efforts from members of Nevada's congressional delegation and from Nevada National Guard officials.