Sunrise Rock - Before and After ACLU

In 1934, the Death Valley chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars constructed a wooden cross atop a pile of rocks in the Mojave Desert to honor "the dead of all wars."

The site became known as "Sunrise Rock" and a location where people gathered for occasional get-togethers and sunrise services. The cross has been rebuilt several times with the latest version being about eight feet high and constructed of welded iron pipe.


Mojave Desert Memorial Cross
In 2000, the American Civil Liberties Union commenced legal maneuvering to have the cross removed. Subsequently, wrangling between opposing sides has resulted in the Justice Department advising the National Park Service to cover the cross. Over $60,000 of taxpayer funds have been paid to the ACLU for attorneys' fees in the case thus far.


Mojave Desert Memorial Cross - After ACLU Makeover
The photo is recent and used courtesy of ArrMatey. The cross is hidden beneath a covering of plywood.

Readers, when you think of the ACLU's contribution to American civil liberties, try not to forget the two pictures above. I won't.

Tip: STACLU