US military hosts atheist event, Rock Beyond Belief, at Fort Bragg

GlobalPost

The US military has hosted its first-ever event for atheists.

The Rock Beyond Belief concert at Fort Bragg was held Saturday for soldiers and others on the base who don't believe in God, the Associated Press reported. It was aimed at showing soldiers without religious beliefs that they have a place in the military.

The event "is the most visible sign so far of a growing desire by military personnel with atheist or other secular beliefs to get the same recognition as their religious counterparts," the AP said.

There were carnival snacks, games for children and a festival atmosphere.

More from GlobalPost: 'Reason Rally' attracts atheists, secularists, humanists (VIDEO)

According to the AP, atheist and secularist soldiers at Fort Bragg have been trying for more than a year to be recognized as a "distinctive faith group," which would allow them to hold meetings at facilities on the base.

The Reason Rally in Washington, DC last weekend drew thousands of atheists, agnostics and secularists. The rally, dubbed "Woodstock for Atheists," was a "coming-out" party for those who don't follow any religion, according to Agence France-Presse.

More from GlobalPost: Atheists and Christians battle over Nativity display tradition in California

Tell us about your experience accessing The World

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!