After 70 Years, Christmas Cross Nixed at Mass. Fire Station by Selectmen

HOLLISTON, Mass. --

A split decision will allow firefighters to put up an illuminated Christmas cross -- but not at the firehouse.

Firefighters have put up their holiday displays at the fire station in Holliston, but they can't put up an illuminated Christmas cross this year. This year, the illuminated Christmas cross that used to adorn the station's tower for more than 70 years will go missing.

There's a Santa on the second-floor window and holiday wreaths between the truck bays, but the tower remains dark.

"I have been in the fire department 27 and a half years. As a kid, I remember seeing it there, and that's where my gut says it should be," said Brett Morrison, a firefighter.

Firefighters insisted the cross is not a religious symbol, yet they talked about its power.

"I have a wife and kids, and you know what? I like to come home when I am done and if there is a higher power that might watch over us, that's what it might mean," said Greg Lewis, a firefighter.

With the support of firefighters and many others in town, Lewis asked for the town's permission to display the cross.

"We have lived here for 12 years. We have seen it up there. It's a very nice thing to see," said Kristine Westland, a Holliston resident.

The Board of Selectmen, looking to avoid a lawsuit, finally decided that the firemen can put up the cross in front of town hall, right next to the menorah celebrating Hanukkah. It's the town's designated venue for holiday displays.

Lewis said thanks, but no thanks.

"There are two churches across the street, they both have cross on them. It's not the same. It's not the same thing," Lewis said.

The town has opened the door for next year, saying the selectmen will consider making the fire station the designated space for holiday displays, including a menorah and the cross. The firefighters said, for this year, they'll hang their cross atop a tree on private property behind the station.

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