The cross is seen as a religious symbol situated on federal land, and therefore is targeted by some as a cross that should be taken down. Others maintain that the cross is no mere religious symbol, it is a memorial to the fallen soldiers of WW1.
This even got me and my dad debating the issue with one another and while I saw it as a religious statement, he saw it as a removal of a memorial to fallen soldiers and asked when they were going to start targeting memorials such as the one up the highway from us that is a circle of pillars with stars on the top of each of them. When will they target the Vietnam Wall? I tried to point out that it was because of the religious symbolism, but he really did not see it as an issue of religion, but rather as one of respect for the fallen soldiers.
Which is what the cross is. A sign of respect to the fallen soldiers of WWI. Should the gentleman that placed it there have used a cross to represent that respect? Probably not, but I doubt he had any idea that seventy-five years after his display of respect that display should come under fire because of the shape it took form in.
My dad suggested that they build a wall around the cross so that it can not be seen except by those that want to see it. My suggestion is a bit bolder, but still means the cross would be left where it is.
I vote that two solar night lights be placed on either side of the cross to illuminate it at all hours of the day and night, and a roadside sign be crafted to explain what the cross is, why it was placed there and by who. What the intention of the placement is and why that location was selected.
Is it a religious symbol? Yes, to some. Does that mean it can not also be a display of respect for the fallen? After seventy-five years the cross has earned the right to be considered carefully before it is simply removed. The dedication of the local VFW members in maintaining the cross not as a religious symbol but as a memorial to their fallen brethren in arms is reason for giving consideration to rather it truly is a religious symbol or if it is instead no more than an X marks the spot on a large scale map.
The cross was located there because of a shadow that can be seen at certain times of the day, one that falls on nearby stones and is visible from where the cross is located. The shadow is a trick of light and shade that resembles a WWI doughboy (soldier) silhouetted on the rock face.
Build a sign to explain what the marker is and why it is there, proudly light the marker and let those who wish to remember their ancestors have a small piece of the Mohave Desert where they can go and see the shades of soldiers past cast upon the face of a rock if they will only stand in the right area at the right time of day.
I'm not asking for religious tolerance, I am asking for a respect for the soldiers that came before my father and those who shall follow after him. If you dislike the cross aspect of the memorial, help to neutralize the marker's religious aspect by seeing it as a wayside marker to guide travelers to glimpse a bit of the past that brought them the freedoms that allow some to cry foul at the display of a religious symbol on Federal lands.
Look closely at the cliff in the background... at the Y top of the cactus on the right... just to the left of the Y you can make out the silhouette. (See larger image)
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