Cross with veterans memorial prompts complaint in Iowa

A figure meant to memorialize fallen veterans in Knoxville has piqued the interest of a national advocacy group that says its aim is to preserve the Constitution’s separation of church and state.

The monument depicts a silhouette of a soldier kneeling at the gravesite of a fallen comrade. The cross at the head of the grave has caused concerns because it's located in a city park.

Ian Smith, staff attorney at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said his organization received a tip from somebody seeking to get the monument removed from government property. After an investigation, Smith said, the group believes the monument is an establishment of religion prohibited by the First Amendment, specifically because the Latin cross is the “pre-eminent symbol of Christianity.”

The organization has asked the city of Knoxville to remove the symbol immediately.

“The separation of church and state is vital for religious freedom,” Smith said. “When the government puts its authority behind a particular religion, it stifles other religious expression."

Brian Hatch, mayor of the central Iowa town, said the city has received the letter from Americans United for Separation of Church and State and is investigating options.

While the monument is on city property, it was not placed there by city staff, Hatch said. The AMVETS Post 63 in Knoxville is responsible for the donation, which sits close to the Freedom Rock — a tribute to area veterans in Young's Park, he said.

“It only makes sense to go there,” Hatch said of the silhouette. “The whole entire area there is only for one purpose, and that’s to honor veterans.”

A resident complained to city staff about a month ago, Hatch said, but officials decided not to make changes.

“We did not see any religious tie to this monument whatsoever. We just thought it was a tribute to a fallen soldier,” Hatch said. “So we didn’t do anything about it, and we were OK with that.”

Hatch said no action will be taken until the City Council has a chance to meet.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State said it’s prepared to take legal action if the city refuses to remove the monument.