MRFF Says Marines Nickname of Unit As "Crusaders" Violates Establishment Clause

MSNBC reported Wednesday that the Military Religious Freedom Foundation has sent a letter (full text) to the Secretary of the Navy and Commandant of the Marine Corps objecting to a commanding officer's decision last month to reinstate the name "Crusaders" as the label for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122. The squadron has also adopted a new logo to go along with the name change-- a red cross on a white shield similar to that of the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages. The squadron previously used the name Crusaders up until 2008, when it was changed to "Werewolves" because of the negative connotation of "Crusaders ' in Islamic and Arab countries. The demand letter sent by MRFF's counsel argues that the the new name conveys a "loud and clear" message of religious endorsement in violation of the Establishment Clause. It seeks assurances that the Marines will cease using the Crusader moniker and related imagery.