VIDEO: Air Force veteran removed from retirement ceremony for using word 'God'
The Air Force is investigating after a veteran was dragged out of a private military ceremony for using the word 'God' in his speech.
The incident happened in April at Travis Air Force Base in California.
Retired Senior Master Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez was physically dragged out of the retirement ceremony after being asked by a retiring Master Sergeant to deliver a speech.
Video posted online by advocacy organization First Liberty Institute shows several uniformed military members pushing Rodriguez out of the room while a U.S. flag is being folded.
In a statement to AirForceTimes.com, officials say:
"Air Force personnel may use a flag folding ceremony script that is religious for retirement ceremonies. Since retirement ceremonies are personal in nature, the script preference for a flag folding ceremony is at the discretion of the individual being honored and represents the member's views, not those of the Air Force. The Air Force places the highest value of the rights of its personnel in matters of religion and facilitates the free exercise of religion by its members."