We should have right to roadside memorials

In reference to Dr. Ronel R. Williams from Mountain Lake Park, I say God bless you! You addressed the issue of the memorials being taken off our highways and byways (Sept. 6, 2008).

I too believe they have a “double” reason for taking these memorials down. I don’t see how they can say they are a “traffic hazard.” They have lined our highways for many, many years and I’ve never heard of one accident because of these special memorials for the death of a loved one!

I think because, as Dr. Williams said, they simply don’t want a “cross” showing across our Maryland highways. One more time our state has shown itself for what it is — predjudiced against religious symbols.

Our forefathers, including my father, Staff Sgt. Olyn E. Tichnell, fought in World War II for our rights to put a cross up as a symbol for the loss of a loved one on our Maryland highways. My uncle, Dr. Lester McVicker, died for this “right” in World War II also, along with my Uncle Elwood and Larry McVicker and many other honorable men and women who fought for America from the state of Maryland.

I love our state and I love America, but I feel we should have the right to our religion and our religious symbols, the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public and our rights as Christians to be able to have our say, even if it is along a roadside where our loved one was taken away from us. By the way, I do not have a roadside memorial for anyone and I thank God for that, but I feel strongly that those who do, should be allowed to mourn in their own way.

May God bless Dr. Williams for speaking out against the SHA on this matter. I back you to the hilt!

The Rev. Ruby Nina (Tichnell) O’Haver

Barton