Go to: Welcome from Kathleen Johnson, American Atheists Director of Military Affairs and founder of MAAF
Dear friend,
Welcome! We are glad you are taking the time to visit the web page for the historic “Atheists in Foxholes” event slated for Veteran's Day, November 11, 2005! Here will find information and resources for the Parade and Rally to be held on the National Mall in front of our nation’s capitol. You can also endorse this exciting event, sign up for more information and period updates, and donate and ensure its success.
We know that despite the claims of ill-informed political leaders, media
pundits and religious leaders, there are and have been many “Atheists in Foxholes!”
Over 30 million Americans are not affiliated with any religious group or sect;
they do not attend church, mosque, or temple, and they have a “secular”
outlook on life. This number includes many Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists
and others who simply look for a rational -- not “god-based” lifestyle.
And many have served, and are serving proudly in our nation's armed forces!
We want to make Veterans Day, 2005 THEIR day! We also want to give everyone an appropriate way to recognize and salute these courageous men and women who, for too long, have been ignored or stigmatized by politicians and the media. They have even been insulted by military officials, like the U.S. Army Chaplain in Iraq who recently repeated that old canard, “There are no atheists in foxholes.”
We know otherwise! There is a Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers reaching out to fellow service personnel and veterans across the globe. And everyday, I receive letters, e-mail and phone calls from retired and active duty vets who are insulted by the claim that because they reject religion and god belief, they are, somehow, not true Americans defending their country in times of peace or war.
Isn’t it time we gave recognition to these men and women, these “Atheists in Foxholes?”
Join us, if you can, on Veterans Day, Friday November 11, 2005 in Washington, DC where we will recognize and honor our vets! Tour the rest of the web site for more information such as the Thursday night Welcome Banquet in the nation's capital, and how you can contribute to make this historic event a success. We urge you to lend your name in endorsing the “Atheists in Foxholes” Parade and Rally. And I invite you to come to Washington DC on Veterans Day to meet all of these “Atheists in Foxholes” who will be there. Hear their stories. Honor and thank them for their service to country.
Thank you for visiting!
— Ellen Johnson, president
AMERICAN ATHEISTS
