Defense fund set up in RI for memorial with cross
WOONSOCKET, R.I.—The city of Woonsocket has set up a war memorial defense fund in case there's a legal challenge to the constitutionality of a monument on city property that is topped with a cross.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote to Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine this month saying the monument to soldiers killed in World Wars I and II violates the principle of the separation of church and state.
A rally is planned for Wednesday in defense of the monument.
Fontaine told WPRO-AM on Monday he expects a large turnout and has been flooded with emails in support of the monument. He says the issue isn't about the separation of church and state but rather paying tribute to veterans.
The foundation has said it expects to prevail outside of court.
