FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Lawyers for Travis Air Force Base in Northern California 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 last week, on behalf of 121 troops at the base, saying the two displays amounted to a military endorsement of religions. It asked that the menorah and Nativity scene be moved to a nearby chapel.
The Air Force judge advocate general decided Saturday that the displays at the Solano County base were part of a broader, secular holiday display.
A base spokesman said there are 24 holiday displays at Travis sponsored by squadrons, including images of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and airplanes.