Lights on veterans tree opposed in Middleborough

MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - It may be the middle of summer but a Christmas controversy is brewing in Middleborough.  

A veterans group last year opposed the decision to put Christmas lights on a blue spruce on the Town Hall veterans' memorial dedicated to a World War I Medal of Honor winner.  

Now, the board of selectmen has received a letter from the grandson of that veteran opposed to decorating the tree this Christmas.  

The Enterprise reports that Patrick Regan wrote that putting lights on the tree does "not seem appropriate" and "trivializes" the intent of the memorial.   

Selectman Stephen McKinnon, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, says he will meet with the Veterans Memorial Park Committee to settle the issue. The ultimate decision is up to selectmen.
   ------