Rejecting an appeal from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, California's Travis Air Force Base has decided not to prohibit religious themes from their traditional holiday display.
“While we appreciate the concerns raised,” said a statement from the base commander, “the Office of the Air Force Judge Advocate General, upon review, concluded the inclusion of a Wing Chaplain-sponsored nativity scene and menorah as part of a broader, secular holiday seasonal display does not violate the establishment clause of the United States Constitution.”
Government-sponsored nativity scenes seem generally unnecessary and can give the wrong impression of an endorsement of Christianity. At the same time, a base is literally home to many military personnel not just a courthouse designed only for the public's business. In the context of a holiday display representing more than one faith (a Menorah was also part of the display), and including secular themes as well, doesn't that make a difference?
