Memorial of soldier with cross removed in Belle Plaine, had sparked debate over free speech

Hundreds of people gathered in Veterans Memorial Park in Belle Plaine Saturday to protest the possible addition of a satanic monument.

The debate over whether the monument should be included in the park has brought national attention to Belle Plaine.

Another monument in the park of a soldier kneeling by a cross initially sparked a debate over the role religion should play in memorials.

Before Saturday's protest, the soldier's memorial was removed from the park. But its earlier presence had resulted in the city creating a new public space in the park for monuments honoring veterans.

A Massachusetts group pushed for a future satanic monument to be included in the space to represent non-religious service members.

Nicholas Kaminski helped organize the protest against its inclusion.

"I don't see a monument with a cross on it as being problematic 'cause it represents something that is good as opposed to something evil like a monument to satan," said Kaminski.

The protest came just as the controversy may be coming to an end.

On Monday, city council members are scheduled to take up a resolution to do away with the public forum area, and likely both monuments.