Spirited dissent trumped holiday spirit during a half-hour of public comment that preceded the vote.
The most vocal critics of the change were supporters of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia, a group that added a 12-foot "Godless Holiday Tree" to the county's array of displays three years ago. Also called "The Tree of Knowledge," it was bedecked with book covers, many of which focused on atheism.
Carol Roper, a member of the society, accused the commissioners of creating a ruse "to eliminate any speech they don't like."
Commissioner Terence Farrell said he had proposed the change after addressing a veterans group in Downingtown on Nov. 11 and meeting Jesse Thomas, who on June 22, 1945, at the end of World War II, helped raise the flag at Okinawa.
Farrell said he wanted to abandon the "first come, first served" approach to holiday displays so the county could create one dedicated to those who have protected American freedoms.
After the meeting, he said he envisioned a display in keeping with recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have permitted traditional secular and religious elements such as Santa, a tree, a creche, and a menorah.
"We need to consult with our attorneys," he said.
Commissioner Kathi Cozzone, the lone Democrat on the board, opposed the resolution, arguing that the county should continue its "open policy" of granting space to all persuasions or display nothing. She said it was unfortunate the issue had continued to generate "tremendous controversy."
Cozzone said she supported a display honoring veterans, but wondered whether the holiday season was the best time. She also questioned the wisdom of spending money on holiday decor during a time of budget cuts.
