It’s been too cold to walk over and check on the Wreaths Across America Statehouse Wreath after the ceremony and subsequent relocation to the rotunda but I did so today. This wreath is our state’s gift to honor our Illinois veterans and is made by the same folks at the Worchester Wreath Company that decorate the graves in Arlington. Last year this veteran’s wreath was in the center of the rotunda. This year it is on the sidewall by the elevators. Our gifted wreath’s previous place of honor now has a solstice sign. The veterans who fought for freedom of speech, and are honored by this wreath donated to our state, have been replaced by the very freedom for which they fought.
My only regret is that it is too late in the season for this year's memorial wreath. Both will be taken down shortly but I'll never forget that the atheists have taken a step ahead of our fallen veterans.
I believe you can click to read the sign but if you cannot, I have transcribed it here:
At this Season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail.
There are no gods, no devils, no angels no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.
The sign on the below justifies the sign in the capitol but not the placement.
https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2008/12/17/atheist-group-turning-to-bible/48879244007/
It has "Thou Shalt Not Steal" to appeal to someone that stole the original sign. See Story in the State Journal Register at: http://www.sj-r.com/archive/x1720697940/Atheist-sign-stolen-from-Capitol-rotunda
