Man who put up cross says it's staying

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Providence business owner who put up a cross that a group now wants removed , says it isn't going anywhere.

Pete Montaquila Jr., the owner of Finest Car Wash, adopted the median where the cross stands on Pleasant Valley Parkway two decades ago. He said he put up the cross on Memorial Day in honor of the nation's veterans.

"This [Pleasant Valley Parkway] is the highest traveled road for the VA Hospital," Montaquila said. "I though it was appropriate for them to see the cross, and appreciate our appreciation for them."

Humanists of Rhode Island president Steve Ahlquist sent a letter to Mayor Angel Taveras this week, requesting the city remove the cross from the median. The group argues the cross violates the separation of church and state, since it sits on city property.

Montaquila says he respects the group's opinion, but won't take down the cross.

"I'm going to take this as far as I have to," Montaquila said Thursday. "I support our veterans, and I feel very strongly that we're able to express our opinion and have freedom of speech. That's why I'm going to leave it here moreso than ever before."

In a statement Wednesday, Mayor Taveras said he had no plans to have the cross removed.

Humanists of Rhode Island said they would put up there own icon if the cross is not removed