“Holiday” Tree Lighting Crashed by Carolers
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Last night's tree lighting at the statehouse was no "silent night," as dozens of carolers drowned out the ceremony with their rendition of "O Christmas Tree." The performance came in protest to Governor Lincoln Chafee's recent decision to label the massive spruce tree in the State House rotunda a 'Holiday' tree and not a Christmas Tree.
An additional protest took place down the street at St. Patricks Church, where an alternative christmas tree lighting ceremony was held. A third and final tree lighting took place in the State House itself, outside the office of Reprsentative Doreen Costa. Costa drew dozens to her protest lighting, which featured carols and festive decorations.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSince it was first made, Chafee's semantic distinction has sent shockwaves through the news media and has even caught the attention of national news outlets like Fox News. As a result, the Governor has received thousands of telephone calls of protest and has even been referred to as a 'Grinch'.
Chafee has defended his position on the grounds of religious tolerance--and has even invoked the name RI's founder Roger Williams.
For video coverage of the event, check out Wednesday, December 7th's GoLocalTV
