Wednesday,  December 11 , 2024

Linkedin Pinterest
News / Nation & World

Thieves take controversial Mojave Desert cross

The Columbian
Published: May 11, 2010, 12:00am

MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a 7-foot-tall cross in the Mojave Desert that sparked a U.S. Supreme Court dispute has been stolen.

The National Park Service says someone cut the bolts holding down the metal-pipe cross and made off with it late Sunday or early Monday.

Veterans groups say they’re outraged at what they consider the desecration of a symbol that was erected in 1934 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor World War I dead.

The cross was challenged by critics who say a religious symbol shouldn’t be allowed on public land but the U.S. Supreme Court last month refused to order it removed.

Support local journalism

Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.

Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.

Community Funded Journalism logo
Loading...