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I was surprised that the writer, the mayor, and some in the community, regard the holiday tree as a religious symbol. The holiday tree was part of the Yuletide tradition of pagan Northern Europe. During winter festivals they set fire to the tree to lighten the dark winter night. People living in winter climates can probably relate to the beauty of the lighted tree, regardless of religion.

A cross, a creche, a menorah, are clearly religious symbols. In this country they do not belong in the public square. They belong in a church, a synagogue, or people's homes. Governments, including city governments, are not to publicly favor, or disfavor any religion.

Christians in Northern Europe incorporated pagan traditions into Christmas festivities - but many of those traditions, like Santa Claus and Christmas trees, can be seen as secular, and they should not be an excuse to publicly display religious symbols in the public square.