San Diego, Calif., Oct 18, 2011 / 04:22 am
A federal appeals court will not review a ruling that the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial cross is unconstitutional, but supporters of the landmark say they will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
A three-judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Jan. 4 that the 29-foot cross, located in a San Diego public park near the suburb of La Jolla, conveyed the message of state-endorsed religion
Supporters of the cross and the U.S. Department of Justice requested a review by a larger panel of the court, but a majority of active judges did not vote for a rehearing on Oct. 14.
The cross was dedicated in 1954 to honor veterans of the Korean War. It consists of six concentric walls with plaques honoring more than 2,800 veterans, brick steps, and a cross.