An open letter to the Freedom From Religion Foundation,

For more than 50 years, Ellwood City’s holiday decorations have been a symbol of peace and love that bring people closer together and strengthen our community during this festive time of the year. It is one of the many community and cultural traditions that we hold close to our hearts.

Ellwood City is a wonderful community consisting of faithful and hardworking people who respect the freedoms and independence of all individuals and religions. Many of our neighbors have valiantly served in the military to protect, and in some cases given their lives fighting for, the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and religion, not only in this country, but in Iraq, Afghanistan and other nations around the world.

I am proud to have been born and raised in this community and to now humbly serve the people of this region in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. As Ellwood City’s state representative, I respect and support the decision of the local elected government officials to erect a holiday display that includes both secular and religious symbols of the holiday season, including the nativity. This community tradition dates back more than half a century, and I strongly believe it is both appropriate and constitutional.

The holiday season is a joyous time of peace and goodwill toward our fellow man. With this in mind, I respectfully request that your organization allow the people of Ellwood City to peacefully celebrate the holiday season in a manner that properly honors the array of religious beliefs and holiday traditions within our community. With equal fortitude, I strongly encourage any Ellwood City resident who has concerns about the community’s holiday display to bring those to the attention of local elected officials to be addressed at the local level. 

The site and content of Ellwood City’s holiday display is a decision for our community. I hope your organization will show goodwill to Ellwood City’s residents and elected leaders during this holiday season to properly address this matter within the local community. I am proud of this community and our traditions and appreciate your respect of our local determination regarding the Ellwood City holiday display.

Respectfully,

State Representative Jaret Gibbons

10^th Legislative District.