Boone County considers removal of war memorial

Boone County commissioners have a decision to make: whether or not to relocate the Desert Storm War memorial at the Boone County Courthouse plaza because of a religious symbol.

The latest talk about the symbol started after a local law firm wrote a legal opinion about it last month, stating that the Ichthus symbol, more commonly known as the Christian fish, is in violation of religious neutrality. They said it should be altered or removed from government property.

Residents packed the Boone County Commission chambers Thursday to voice their opinions.

“That memorial should remain. And I think if you make any other decision rather than allow that memorial to stay, you are going against the will of the people,” said Rick Rowden.

“The inclusion of Ithicus on this particular monument is offensive and an unusual consideration given that no other faiths are represented on the Boone County Courthouse,” said Mark Schierbecker.

Boone County commissioners will vote on the memorial’s future Tuesday.