Controversial Cross

" It has stood in the Mojave Desert for 75. Years. 65 of those were nice and quiet with no one complaining. But now the ACLU is challenging a war memorial. And hundreds of our military veterans are fighting to save it. Today they will lay a wreath and read names of fallen comrades at the foot of the seven foot cross. It is the middle of federal land. And the ACLU says that's the problem it says that's unconstitutional. Claiming it's a government endorsement of religion namely christianity. The Supreme Court is gonna take up this case next month and it could impact. Memorials up crossed this country. If they find this cross is unconstitutional. Joining us now are Henry and Wanda Sandoz. Here for this memorial cross since 1984. And their attorney Kelly Shackelford. Is in the box down below me from the liberty legal institute good morning everyone thanks so much for being here. -- money you Henry let me start with you are you campus cross since 1984. That he get a legal challenge suddenly. But ten years ago saying it's offensive to me from one of the desert Rangers I guess and brought this. Lawsuit through the ACLU originally what what is his complaint."

" Public -- public is also under government. Our park. And yes. It is. Upsetting to him."

" And I know that I know that you would want to have been taking care of this thing. You can you do not believe that it is a religious symbol of any kind you think it's a war memorial that's that's basically non secular even though look across would be secular. In front of the church or so on and so forth. But but you don't think in this circumstance it is religious let me let me -- your attorney Kelly. You know. In that argument has been accepted in some cases outside this one and rejected another's what do you think your chances are going of the US Supreme Court you've been loosened so far. I think it's."

" They're really good chances I mean this was put up by veterans some of who weren't religious at all and it had a plaque next to it that said for the death of all wars. We have crosses all over the place Arlington memorial cemetery of the 24 foot that tall granite crossed across the sacrifice. Everybody knows this is to honor those -- given their lives for their country and you know the ten commandments is okay outside the Texas Capitol with Supreme Court has said. I think across honoring our veterans that was put up by veterans. You know is gonna be protected as well in the -- idea that we've covered it right now box. While it's on appeal and I think it's just."

" Strikes this is an old picture we're looking that we can actually seen across now thinks of a lower court rulings which correctly for Ron Kelly. From the ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. When the most restaurants if not the most little -- in the country now there's literally a wooden box covering this cross that was put up initially to honor. Our fall in World War I veterans which is just insane to me but why not you know. Did you get any complaints have you ever heard somebody of from a non Christian faith come up to -- say. I find it offensive can't we have some other religious symbol or some non religious civil affairs for the crimes."

" Yes Megan night I heard that a lot and I have been asked if you know we would be okay with him someone Medina of food star -- David and my answer is always that cross was put there in 1934. By -- well -- World War I veterans. That's what they chose that was their choice. And and they put it there to honor. All award the end they had a plaque that said that. So I didn't I believe we believe and and most people agree. That that cross should stay and since they pick that spot these are men network. In World War I and that word. -- traumatized by that war and ill from meant. And they can that to the desert to recuperate and and to make a life there and and they just all got together they wanted to do this and and they did it and and we were very good friends Henry listen real good friend. One of those that trends and that's how we came about taking care of it."

" Henry do you when you think about this case we do you think your friend. What could even -- them. That all these years later this cross may have to come down this honor to our veterans may have to come down because of the ACLU."

" 00. Well that's. I can't imagine tall. And was in World War I veteran. In the medics. And they put up today concern or. When he asked me. Mine it was like she's somebody who maintain. That is how I come about on this. Perception -- covered by a box. And."

" Look at this look at this picture of it covered by a box it's just so ridiculous that you had to do it. Because he ordered covered up he tried to put a TARP over it and people were upset over the ruling pulled the TARP off and and that now this is what you had to do which is just shut such as Shane Kelly. You know Andy Williams is that. No I -- that's what had to be done Kelly. I negative loses so far you must be very encouraged that the US Supreme Court agreed to take that case they take so U it's one of the very first cases they will be hearing. When the term opens in October that here in October 7. How do you handicap -- chances."

" I really feel like. You know this is going to be reversed I mean that is don't think this is something this country would stand for. And there's even more facts that you know don't come -- lot at the same doses offered five acres of their land privately owned land in the Federal Reserve. In exchange for one Acre with a memorial given back to the veterans congress passed an act to do that. And the ACLU -- back in court said none on a judge they're trying to get around your ruling right. If they're so offended because it's on government land -- should take care of it but it just shows that just wanna -- down this cross it -- don't -- real cost no matter what."

" Well we'll see what happens the Supreme Court does take on cases so it is good news for your site that they took this one. Will be watching -- over seventh all of us solemn thanks so much for coming on. Thank you may."