The army relieved an honor guard because he issued a brief prayer before presenting a flag at burial services. The guard, Patrick Cubbage, did so only when prescribed by his manual (when the family requested religious services by having a minister etc... present) and the message was a simple and brief "God bless your family and God bless the United States." Hardly cause for consternation. Nevertheless, in a case of political correctness run amok, the department administration releived him of duties for his "breaking protocol." Here's the story in the Philly Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/local/5003947.htm

and my email to the Lt. Cnl. in charge:
niedtro@nj-arng.ngb.army.mil

Lt. Cnl. Roberta Niedt:

I am writing to you after reading a brief article about the dismissal of Patrick Cubbage carried in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Though I appreciate the need for protocol, and I am sure the report only presented a portion of the story, I find the actions highlighted within it to be a case of political correctness run amok. As such, I ask that you reconsider your stance regarding Mr. Cubbage and reinstate this capable and honorable veteran to his duties at the Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

I find it abhorrent that a gentleman such as Mr. Cubbage could serve his country admirably, and further follow the rules and protocols prescribed by his honor guard manual, and still be summarily dismissed when another guard feigns disgust. In the absence of complaints from families attending the services, I see absolutely no reason why Mr. Cubbage should have been relieved of his duties and I feel that doing so is a black eye on the department and administration that folded to the pressure of potential conflict.

Respectfully,

Anyway, the Daily News reports here:
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/52803p-49473c.html

And you can email the DA here:
District Attorney Charles J. Hynes

Here's my letter:

District Attorney Charles J. Hynes:

After reading the article on Ronald Dixon in the Daily News, I am writing to urge you to reconsider your current position.

I find the prosecution of a Navy Veteran and an upstanding family man who engaged in the act of self-defense abhorrent. Not only did Mr. Dixon have to protect his family from a career criminal whom the system failed to incarcerate, now he must also worry that he will be incarcerated for doing so. This defies common sense and is an appalling miscarriage of justice. Mr. Dixon should be commended for his actions in defense of his family, and at most be asked to register the "illegal firearm" (Which the article mentions he "legally" obtained in Florida and was in the process of registering in NY.) To force this man to spend time in prison, jeopardizing his career, family, and home, would be a terrible case of "blaming the victim" and should be avoided at all costs.

Respectfully,