The event is in response to a suit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court by the American Atheists Inc. that seeks the removal of the UHP symbol from the crosses as well as the removal of the crosses from public lands. American Atheists Utah Director Michael Rivers told The Tribune on Thursday that the use of a religious symbol by a government agency is unconstitutional.

Event organizer David Tabish said he was enraged when he heard about the lawsuit and vowed to protest.

"I thought I needed to jump on this while it was hot," Tabish said.

Saturday's rally will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the UHP headquarters for Salt Lake County at 5600 S. 300 West, which is also known as Frontage Road.

Tabish said the announcement last weekend to plan a rally in support of the crosses has been met with an overwhelming response.

"It's going crazy. It's like a full-time job almost. I didn't expect it but I'm thankful for it," he said. "I really believe the silent majority are finally looking at it and saying 'Hey, we've been pushed far enough.' ”

Lt. Lee Perry, who served as the Utah Highway Patrol Association's president in the late '90s and was instrumental in launching the cross project, said the cross was chosen as a universal symbol for sacrifice and death. All of the families of the fallen troopers have agreed to the use of the cross.

"This didn't happen overnight," said Perry of the three-year journey to get the crosses approved. "I never had a desire to upset the realm on this whole thing. I did a lot of research that showed that crosses are not as religious as people think they are. They were not always a religious symbol."

Perry said he has received numerous e-mails and phone calls from officers across the country pledging their support.

"It renews my faith in society and the people we serve," Perry said.

Tabish said he has watched in dismay as groups like the American Atheists and the American Civil Liberties Union have successfully removed prayer from schools and government and taken the 10 Commandments from state-owned properties. The UHP lawsuit is the first of its kind filed by American Atheists and has already garnered significant attention nationwide. "And that's why we have to nip it in the bud here," Tabish said.

Organizers plan to take orders for small crosses that can be pitched on the front lawn of those who support the UHP. Crosses should sell for under $10 each, the proceeds of which will be used to support future protests, Tabish said.

Rivers did not return a call for comment Monday night.

More information about the rally can be received by sending an e-mail to David@Tabishins.com.

mwestley@sltrib.com