Because it depicts a soldier kneeling in front of a cross – and because a Christian flag is occasionally flown – one veteran threatened to file a lawsuit. The small town of 7,000 fought back for four years – spending tens of thousands of dollars. But seeing the writing on the wall, the council recently voted to remove the flag and the statue from their memorial.
Losing money and feeling they could not win, the city council voted 3-2 to remove the flag and statue.
Under the agreement, the city’s insurance company, Scottsdale Insurance Company, will pay $500,001 to Americans United for Separation of Church and State for fees incurred by Hewett’s legal counsel.
The American Legion and American Legion Post 290 of King was allowed to join the lawsuit as defendant-intervenors, meaning their attorneys could argue their position in court if the lawsuit goes to trial, but they were not allowed to intervene in the settlement.
Don Holland, commander of the American Legion Post 290 in King, said after the meeting, “I’m extremely disappointed, but I don’t fault the city whatsoever.”
He said the city had no chance of winning it.
http://downtrend.com/robertgehl/n-c-town-loses-battle-will-remove-christian-themed-veterans-memorial/