A highly important military religious freedom case is currently unfolding, and it’s crucial to understand what First Liberty is doing to defend the rights of our nation’s heroes. Once again, Mikey Weinstein and his Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) are attempting to create a problem where none exists.
In a blatant attack against religious liberty in the military, the MRFF recently sent a legal demand to the Department of Defense, threatening Shields of Strength, a Christian company that provides replica dog tags with inspirational Bible verses to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The MRFF claims that these Shields of Strength dog tags are unconstitutional and that displaying religious messages on them is illegal because they include the emblem of each military service branch. They are demanding the immediate removal of these tags.
However, these claims are inaccurate, and this religious harassment will not be tolerated. For over 20 years, Shields of Strength has provided more than a million of these dog tags to U.S. service members, allowing them to find strength in their faith—without a single complaint. Weinstein and the MRFF are insisting on making legal threats against one of the most fundamental rights for which our service members have sacrificed: the freedom to live out their faith. It is a cruel insult that the MRFF seeks to deny military service members and their families the right to wear inspirational jewelry simply because it contains a religious message.
For the brave men and women who serve in uniform, Shields of Strength are more than just pieces of metal on a chain. These tags are a source of encouragement, a symbol of sacrifice, and a tangible reminder of the strength gained through faith. As Kenneth Davis, a U.S. Air Force and Marine veteran, stated: “This tag is faith. This is believing that you’re going to live—and that even if you die, you’ll be holding hands with God for eternity. That’s what it means to me … and every veteran I know feels the same way.”
For decades, military families have held tightly to these Shields to memorialize the incredible service of their loved ones. They carry invaluable significance for countless mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, and wives who remain connected to them in spirit when they hold that beloved Shield. Wreaths Across America honors veterans, and these tags serve a similar purpose, connecting families to their loved ones’ service and sacrifice.
First Liberty has a proven record of winning key cases for religious liberty in our military, including victories on behalf of Army Chaplain Scott Squires, Navy Chaplain Wes Modder, Air Force Colonel Leland Bohannon, and SMSgt Phillip Monk, among other triumphs. This level of legal success requires a significant investment of resources, time, and staff, especially when organizations like the MRFF launch full-scale assaults on religious freedom.
Faith and religious freedom have long been integral to America’s military, and forcing Shields of Strength to stop providing these tags goes against the fundamental ideals upon which our country was built. It is entirely consistent with the Constitution for a company like Shields of Strength to encourage service members by presenting them with symbols and references to their faith.
– Kelly J. Shackelford, Esq., President, CEO & Chief Counsel, First Liberty Institute
Editor’s note: You can support First Liberty Institute in this fight by clicking here.