Right following the Supreme Court decided to keep a large cross erected in a state park in California, there was a turn of events. It seems the Mojave Cross was stolen. Nobody knows who stole it or why. There will most likely be some speculation as to why, but all we know is the cross was taken from the hill. The money advances attorneys received to keep the cross erect was in vain.
Mojave Cross was stolen during the nighttime
Though some have disagreed with the mere existence of the Mojave Cross, to see the Mojave Cross stolen is at minimum tantamount to sacrilege. The Mojave Cross in question was put up as a veterans memorial by the Veterans of Foreign Wars to commemorate the fallen of World War I. The Supreme Court ruled the Mojave Cross was constitutional in spite of objections that it didn’t properly honor veterans that are not of the Christian faith who have served within the Armed Forces.
Someone had to go to great lengths
The Mojave Cross is 7 feet tall and not built out of just balsa wood. According to CNN, the most recent incarnation is constructed of 3-inch metal pipe and reinforced with concrete, according to Henry Sandoz, the caretaker of the monument. it probably can be rebuilt. The rugged construction and remote location would suggest that it was not just a simple theft for scrap metal, and it may have been done out of spite.
What is being done right now?
The Veterans of Foreign Wars plan on making a replica of the monument. The organization also offers a reward for anybody who can give details that will lead to the recovery of the cross or the conviction of the thieves.
Sources for the article
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/05/11/mojave.cross.stolen/
