By Tatiana Pina
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A cross erected in May by a businessman on a median on Pleasant Valley Parkway to honor veterans has been removed and placed on his property across the street.
The Humanists of Rhode Island had asked Mayor Angel Taveras to have the cross removed, saying it sits on public property and is a violation of the separation of church and state.
Peter Montaquila Jr. erected the cross, which says "God Bless America," about a week before Memorial Day. The family had adopted the median and maintained it for years.
Peter Montaquila Sr. said Mayor Taveras visited the business Friday, and after speaking to him, the family decided to remove the cross rather than cause trouble for the city.