From 9news ...
DENVER - A mention that the Merry Christmas sign at the City and County building might be replaced with a Happy Holidays sign prompted enough angry reaction that the mayor says the Merry Christmas sign will stay.
In a statement released Thursday, Mayor John Hickenlooper said that a Happy Holidays sign may be added as well.
They mayor said that he had been under the impression that the Merry Christmas sign was becoming worn and would need to be replaced next year, and he felt a message that was more inclusive might be preferable.
"Over the past several days, it has become clear to me that there is strong community sentiment to maintain the "Merry Christmas" sign and I am glad to oblige.
"My intention was never to disrespect or slight anyone or any religious tradition," said Hickenlooper.
Controversy over the holiday display in front of the building is a tradition in itself, the Denver Post reports. It is believed that the nativity scene that sits in front was first erected in the early 1940s under the direction of Mayor Ben Stapleton.
Mayor Quigg Newton's effort to make the display more subdued was quashed by a public outcry.
In the 1980's, a group unsuccessfully sued the city, arguing that the crèche violated the separation of church and state.
Over the years, thieves have stolen pieces of the holiday display and vandals have defaced it. A surveillance camera and fence now protect the spot.
Controversy over the role of religion in public displays is also threatening to mar the annual Parade of Lights. The parade is sponsored by 9NEWS and organized by the Downtown Denver Partnership, an association of businesses. The Partnership has a long- standing policy that the parade is a holiday event, not a Christmas event. A Christian Church is upset that the Partnership has decided not to include its float in the parade.
The Partnership offered an apology Thursday to anyone offended by the decision. The parade organizers say they are saddened that an event that has brought the community together for the past 30 years is now one that is divisive.
Christmas is a holiday.
So a Christmas theme would seem to be perfectly in keeping with the parade being a holiday event.
Sounds like a real nice town.
It's still BS! If they want to have a Holiday Parade, have it in February and honor the Presidents Holiday. This is Christmas Season!