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Veterans Group Opposes Christmas Tree At Middleboro Memorial

MIDDLEBORO (CBS) - Christmas has suddenly become a hot topic in the town of Middleboro.

The grandson of a World War I veteran has reportedly sent the town a letter requesting that they do not string up lights on a blue spruce tree dedicated to his grandfather, Patrick Regan.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports

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"To turn a solemn memorial dedicated to all the soldiers who have given everything for our freedoms into a Christmas tree, somehow just does not seem appropriate to me, and trivializes that for which your memorial park was dedicated," the Enterprise quoted the letter as saying.

The tree outside town hall is part of the town's veterans' memorial, and some veterans were angered by the lights last year.

Former Selectman Mimi Duphily is planning the holiday festival, and feels the white lights are appropriate.

"That tree was donated to the town," says Duphily. "Once you donate something, and it belongs to the town, it's there for the town's use."

Town selectmen will meet with veterans and try and solve the controversy.

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