FAIRFIELD, CA - They're an annual tradition, but some holidays scenes are bringing out the humbugs at Travis Air Force Base.
Michael Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) said some Travis personnel contacted the civil rights group and lodged complaints after squadrons erected several holiday displays on base.
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"They were too terrified to stand up to authorities at Travis themselves," Weinstein explained.
MRFF wrote a letter to the base commander demanding that displays with a nativity scene and menorah need to be moved elsewhere.
"If you want something with religious symbols, be it Islamic, Jewish, Christian or whatever, put it on the grounds of the (base) chapel. That's what the regulations say and that's what the law says and we're a nation of laws," Weinstein declared.
The displays in question, and several others featuring Santa Claus and other holiday symbols sit at the intersection of Travis Avenue and Skymaster Way inside the base.
Weinstein believes they violate the separation of church and state.
"If you don't believe we live in a secular nation where we sperate church and state, feel free to move to some other country like Saudi Arabia," Weinstein said.
Weinstein contends their placement on a main road makes it look like Travis AFB supports Christian and Jewish religious beliefs.
But many people say that's going too far.
"What about our soldiers that are fighting for us overseas. Some of them are Christian and Jewish," Adams said. "Wouldn't they want the government they're fighting for to support them?"
"I'm surprised somebody wants to move the displays," Yana Buksh said. "Christmas isn't even about Santa Claus. It's more about religion. It's based on religion and when Jesus was born."
"The nativity scene portrays Christmas," Maile Akui said. "It should be threatening to anyone."
Weinstein said his group is waiting to see what the Air Force will do about the religious displays.
"We're counseling with our lawyers to determine the right course of action."
By Karen Massie, kmassie@news10.net
News10/KXTV