In response to the organization, so called, Destination Des Moines, renaming the Christmas Tree a Holiday Tree, I resigned my membership and sent them a complaint.

Explaining that for all of my 80 plus years, it has been a cherished tradition even long before this "official" declared it to be "offensive" to some minorities perhaps.

The response that I received form this community leader who does not even live in Des Moines follows and it is the dumbest letter I have ever received. He is not considering the impact of a whole generation of children growing up and not loving the thought of Christmas, celebrated with a symbolic tree, called forever, A CHRISTMAS TREE.

I refer to this response as "dumb" because this person, at the very end of his poor excuse for banning Christmas from our tree; wishes us a Merry Christmas instead of Merry Holiday.

I proudly served my country for over 20 years and even in the most remote assignments, there was some representation of a CHRISTMAS TREE.

He needs to "open his heart" with a can opener as I see it because it is likely made of tin, stolen from the Wizard of Oz. So I would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and especially to those who are offended by this sentiment, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Here is his response:

Re: Holiday Tree
I am saddened to hear that you feel that Destination Des Moines is not an organization you feel best represents your interests as a citizen in Des Moines. We as a group had to look beyond a single group’s symbolism and work with the City to try and make every American feel comfortable. The United States is free today because of each of our beliefs and the right to express them; this is a key reason why my son serves our US Military today. Christmas is a time to open our hearts and to help others especially in this great time of need.

Our Tree lighting Festival is a lighting of a tree for everybody to see, as they believe and to bring our community together to show the promise of hope and good will in our City. I do not believe that a title of an event takes away from our beliefs in the true meaning of Christmas, but I do believe that each person in our country has earned the right to choose their own meaning. I sincerely hope you will reconsider being a member, but if not we do respect you decision and will honor your request.

I too wish you and your wife a very Merry Christmas.

Now, to the leadership of Destination Des Moines only...MERRY HOLIDAY!
Pat Nardo
Des Moines