Community Corner

Lawmaker Wants Camp Pendleton to Weigh Intent of Controversial Cross in Decision (Poll)

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, of El Cajon, wrote a letter to Camp Pendleton's base commander asking him to consider the intent of the Camp Pendleton Cross as the legal team reviews the matter.

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, of El Cajon, wrote a letter to Camp Pendleton's base commander in support of a cross that was erected on the base in November by surviving friends and family of fallen Iraq veterans.

The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers demanded the cross be taken down, arguing that the monument — which  is on federal land — marginalizes non-Christians. Other demands to remove the cross followed.

While a legal team reviews the matter, Hunter would like the base commander to consider the intent of the cross. Hunter, who deployed as a Marine Officer in to Iraq and Afghanistan, served in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment along with the fallen Marines the cross was dedicated to.

Find out what's happening in Oceanside-Camp Pendletonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The current cross was put in place of a wooden cross that burned in a wildfire, the Navy Times reports.

What do you think should happen to the cross? Tell us in the comments.

Find out what's happening in Oceanside-Camp Pendletonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Follow Camp Pendleton Patch on Twitter and Facebook.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here