That nativity scene at Walter Reed
From: (name withheld)
Date: December 18, 2024 at 7:08:55 PM MST
To: Mikey Weinstein
Subject:That nativity scene at Walter Reed
Shame on you for bullying Walter Reed into moving that beautiful Nativity Scene but not taking the time to wish our troops and veterans a Merry Christmas. Why don’t you wish the patients there a Merry CHRISTmas, why don’t you wish our troops and veterans the same thing. To me THAT shows how much you really care. An old Soldier who does not support you
(name withheld)
Response from MRFF Supporter Mike Challman
On Dec 18, 2024, at 11:21 PM, Mike Challman wrote:
Good evening, (name withheld),
Mikey Weinstein shared your email with me and asked if I would be interested in responding to you. I’m absolutely happy to do so, because frankly your email leaves me a bit confused.
I have been a supporter and volunteer with the MRFF for a number of years, as well as a military veteran, Blue Star dad, and most importantly a life-long, devout and active Christian.
I am also a staunch supporter of the Constitutional rights of all Americans, especially current and former military members. This is where I find your email to be confusing. You seem to be advocating that Walter Reed should favor one particular religious belief over all others, (including non-belief). Surely you are aware of two things – first, that it’s inappropriate for a government entity to do that. And second, that many of both active duty military and our fellow veterans do not hold the Christian faith that you and I share.
There is nothing stopping either of us from practicing our faith, but to expect our government to promote it at an inappropriate time or place is, in a word, unconstitutional. More than that, it is disrespectful of our non-Christian compatriots which is, in a word, unchristian.
It’s worth noting that the MRFF did not object to the nativity scene itself, only its inappropriate location. The resolution of moving it to a chapel location is absolutely acceptable and appropriate. That’s where it should have been from the start.
So, it would seem to me that the root of your objection is that the Christian faith you and I share is not receiving sanction and favor from our government. To that I offer a sincere prayer of thanks, that we live in a country where people of all faith traditions, including those with no faith tradition, are equally respected and protected.
Peace,
Mike Challman
Christian, Veteran, Blue Star Dad, MRFF Supporter
Recent Posts
- May 4, 2026 | No comments
- April 30, 2026 | 2 comments
2 Comments
Comments are closed.
“A” for effort by Mike Challman in trying to ‘splain to Name Withheld why the nativity scene is inappropriate in the entry way to Walter Reed medical center, the conversation having already taken on a different direction in the letter writer’s mind of wanting to mandate the attachment of a “Merry CHRISTmas” greeting for everyone that walks through the door, the greeting itself more efficacious than any treatment that might be received.
I’m guessing a few menorahs in the entry way replacing the nativity scene to celebrate their Jewish God would prompt emergency treatment for seizures!
Throw in a couple Crescent and Star icons or Om tributes just to test for pre-existing conditions!
“A” for effort!
Akin to the “Patriotism test” we all have to go through of having to stand in deference to a symbol of freedom (or else), at an expensive-ticket football game as part of the prerequisite of admission to prove your patriotism, completely unrelated to outcome.
Efficacy of medical outcome seemingly pre-ordinated by deference in the Christian mind.
Unfortunately,
Don’t care about any soldier old or new who doesn’t care about the rights of other people.