'We're Americans too': Atheist billboards stir debate in Lakeland

LAKELAND - New billboards in Lakeland are attracting attention. The group Atheists of Florida placed the five signs in the city Wednesday as a way to target the area's devout Christian population.

"There's quite a strong representation of religion out here and we feel that this is really where the message should be," said Atheists of Florida president John Kieffer.

Kieffer and EllenBeth Wachs, director of the organization's Lakeland chapter, say the point is not to convert Christians to atheism, but rather to send a message this Fourth of July that atheists are Americans too.

"We want to show the inclusiveness of the Pledge of Allegiance and show that this is how the pledge was originally written," said Wachs.

The billboards read "one nation... indivisible," excluding the phrase "under God" that is part of the Pledge of Allegiance. Those two words were added by federal law on Flag Day in 1954.

An Atheists of Florida billboard stands along U.S. 98, across from VFW Post 8002. Vietnam veteran David Kissell thinks it's a disgrace to our country.

"Our nation was formed under God and its principles and it's a shame we allow this to happen in our neighborhoods," Kissell told FOX 13.

A billboard also sits next to a convenience store on Wabash Avenue off U.S. 92. Angel Cruz sees it from his front yard and that's okay with him.

"Everybody's entitled to their own opinion," said Cruz. "They don't believe in God. That's their prerogative."

Kieffer also fought in Vietnam. He realizes gaining acceptance as an atheist and changing back the Pledge are uphill battles, difficult to win.

"It's going to be a struggle and it's going to be hard work," said Kieffer. "We are fighting a majority. The majority of this country would not agree with our world view, however we're Americans too."

Until FOX 13 told them, Kieffer and Wachs said they were not aware their billboard on Combee Road and South Crystal Lake Drive was directly beside a church. Neither offered apologies for that.

Atheists of Florida will hold a "Meet the Patriots" question and answer forum on Thursday, July 22nd at 6 p.m. at the Lakeland Public Library.