Published: 12/24/2011

Nativity scene, menorah at Travis Air Base upheld

ASSOCIATED PRESS

FAIRFIELD, Calif. -- Lawyers for Travis Air Force Base have determined that including a Nativity scene and a menorah in the base's holiday display does not violate the troops' religious freedom.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation wrote to base authorities on behalf of 121 personnel at the base saying the displays amounted to a military endorsement of religions.

It asked that the displays be moved to a chapel.

The Air Force judge advocate general decided Dec. 17 that the displays were part of a broader, secular holiday display. A base spokesman said Travis has 24 holiday displays sponsored by squadrons, including images of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and airplanes.

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