The God and Country Festival is a yearly tradition in Nampa, Idaho drawing thousands of attendants to an event organizers describe as "patriotic". But the sponsoring group, the Christian Defense Coalition is also a highly religious organization, as the name suggests. So this year – for the first time in 42 years – the Department of Defense denied (pdf) a request for a military flyover, citing the need to avoid the appearance of religious endorsement.
Air Force and DoD policy prohibit support for events which appear to endorse, selectively benefit, or favor any special interest group, religious or ideological movement.
Via Religion Clause, Chris Rodda of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation says the church-state military watchdog is pleased with the decision, quoting MRFF President Mikey Weinstein:
"The Military Religious Freedom Foundation offers its most profound support to and thanks for the U.S. Air Force's correct constitutional decision to deny the flyover request of its aircraft in support of the clear Christian sectarian mission and purpose of Nampa, Idaho's 'God and Country Rally.' It may have taken 42 years to get this right decision from the Air Force, but better late than never.
Idaho's KTVB has a report here .
