Mass. FD Christmas Sign Controversial

Dec. 3, 2009
BOSTON -- A Merry Christmas sign that firefighters were ordered to take down from the town's firehouse can now go back up on display. The firefighters were ordered to remove the sign after town leaders told an area rabbi he could only display a menorah for one day during Chanukah on the town common even though the holiday lasts for eight nights. To be fair, they told the firehouse to remove its holiday sign.

BOSTON --

A Merry Christmas sign that firefighters were ordered to take down from the town's firehouse can now go back up on display.

The firefighters were ordered to remove the sign after town leaders told an area rabbi he could only display a menorah for one day during Chanukah on the town common even though the holiday lasts for eight nights. To be fair, they told the firehouse to remove its holiday sign.

Late Wednesday, the town manager said the North Andover firefighters would be allowed to display the sign on the Main Street Fire Station.

"The townspeople have spoken and they have been heard. They have clearly indicated which direction they would like the town to proceed in," officials said in a statement.

The Board of Selectman plans to meet on Friday, where the chairman will recommend that they "amend the Town Common use policy to allow holiday displays, such as the currently pending application for the display of the menorah for eight days."

The current policy is in place to protect the common's landscaping.

Copyright 2009 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!