There was a strange turn of events right after the Supreme Court decided to keep a large cross erected in a state park. It appears the Mojave Cross was stolen. Nobody knows who stole it or why. There will probably be some speculation as to why, but all we know is the cross was taken from the hill. It appears that the money advances given to attorneys to keep the cross up 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 was put up as a memorial for veterans by the Veterans of Foreign Wars to commemorate the fallen of World War I. The Supreme Court had ruled the Mojave Cross constitutional in spite of objections that it didn’t properly honor veterans that were not of the Christian faith who have served in the Armed Forces.
Somebody went to great lengths
. According to CNN, one of 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 will likely 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 has been done?
The Veterans of Foreign Wars plan on making a replica of the monument. The organization also offers a reward for anybody who can give information 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/
