Pagan Veterans of the United States

The Philly Burbs ran an article "Pagan vets urged to come out of the closet". Of course, we have long supported the establishment of the penticle as a symbol of faith for many, we also promote the establishment of the awen as a symbol of faith for Druids on veteran's headstones.

They [Asatru wizards and spirit shaman, Wiccan witches and Druid priests] want respect equal to any Christian, Jew or Muslim who served in the armed forces, said the commander of the Pagan Veterans of the United States.

The article indicates that Charles Arnold is national commander of the Pagan Veterans of the United States. I did some looking and the website link mentioned in the article doesn't work. It appears that the organization is still mostly a Yahoo Group -- Pagan-Veterans-USA. That said, Charles has been long involved with Pagan Veteran issues and was the National Coordinator for the Pagan Veterans Headstone Campaign.

Goin' Druid in Minnesota

Being a native of Minnesota but no longer living there, I occasionally see evidence of why it is a great place to live and why I miss it. The  StarTribune is reporting that Carver Park is hosting:

GOIN' DRUID
Celebrate the longest night of the year, as people have done since ancient times. Discover the scientific and cultural significance of the season at the Winter Solstice Celebration. Enjoy a peaceful solstice quest, as you walk a trail discovering wooden animal figures, each holding the answer to a quiz that you carry. Join in singing ancient winter carols around a bonfire, and help with the communal "tie down the sun" ceremony, which is said to never fail in making the days get longer! Meet a live barred owl and create an owl mask. Listen to solstice stories while you enjoy cookies and wassail. (3-5:30 p.m. Sat. $5. Reservations required. Lowry Nature Center, Carver Park Reserve, 7025 Victoria Dr., Victoria. 763-559-6700. www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.)

It looks like a lot of fun.