I have served my country in the United States Army and the United States Air Force for 20 years and 10 years reserve.

Christmas is a tradition that we have always enjoyed, yet this freedom of expression is being gently taken away from us by attacking the existence of our Christmas tree.

A friendly battle, in the spirit of Christmas needs, to be waged and won in such a manner as to not end up with hostile feelings either for or against Christmas.

Being only one lone, old soldier, I cannot conceive winning such a gigantic battle with great odds unless I fire the first shot. and enlist the aid of a multitude of like minded people.

Please, won't someone reach out and help me bring back the Christmas Tree in Des Moines and stop the attempts to remove Christ from Christmas and restore Christmas to our revered, traditional CHRISTMAS TREE.

Patrick (Pat) Nardo

Des Moines