Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Once again it was veterans who stood up to fight for the Constitutional liberties we all enjoy this time it was in court and not on the battlefield" said Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson today welcoming the news that Texas veterans & their families will once again be free to worship as they choose at the Houston National Cemetery. According to reports the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs has agreed to settle a lawsuit over allegations of religious censorship at Houston National Cemetery.
Both Pattersons father and grandfather are buried at the Houston National Cemetery.
This is the right decision" Patterson said.
During the summer local veterans groups had accused VA officials of prohibiting religious speech on the cemetery grounds during services. Under the settlement the VA will take steps to avoid any such prohibition.
Patterson was one of several state and national leaders who voiced their opposition to the Houston National Cemeterys restrictions.
Patterson stated his opposition in July in an op-ed.
As chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board Patterson oversees three and soon four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. Work on the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery north of Corpus Christi is expected to be completed in December.
Any solider sailor airman or Marine who signs up swears an oath before God" Patterson said.
I am glad to hear that oath would now pass muster at the Houston National Cemetery."
