ghg - The first amendment never stated that there should be a 'separation of church and state'. The term came from a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote. The first amendment does say that there should be no 'prohibiting the free exercise thereof' Which means that government cannot prevent anyone from practicing their faith whether it be Christian, Muslim, Judaism, or an Atheist's lack of faith. So if local businesses would like to display a cross in front of their business it is NOT a violation of the 1st amendment.

The first amendment was written to protect people from government enforced religion and also from religious persecution.

First Amendment - Religion and Expression

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion (No one religion), or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Religious Affiliation

of U.S. Founding Fathers

# of signers % of

Episcopalian/Anglican 88 54.7%

Presbyterian 30 18.6%

Congregationalist 27 16.8%

Quaker 7 4.3%

Dutch Reformed/German Reformed 6 3.7%

Lutheran 5 3.1%

Catholic 3 1.9%

Huguenot 3 1.9%

Unitarian 3 1.9%

Methodist 2 1.2%

Calvinist 1 0.6%

TOTAL 204

Talk about irony... According to the recorded facts this great country of our was indeed founded by God loving men and the irony...54.7% were Episcopal / Anglican - an Episcopal Church started this Awesome Annual Display!

Separation of church and state (1st amendment) means that government does not endorse particular religious views. As Justice Souter wrote for the majority "government should not prefer one religion to another, or religion to irreligion" in Board of Education of Kiryas Joel Village School District v. Grumet (512 U.S. 687 (1994).

Putting crosses on public property would violate the 1st amendment. So does opening public meetings with a prayer, but you cant win every battle :)

I can't wait to see them again. Easter Sunday after services, strolling downtown and admiring the crosses has become something my family looks forward to.

There is a difference believe it or not between stupid and ignorant! Stupid is one just cant learn, ignorant is either you just haven't learned yet or you don't want to!

ghg -

Educate yourself on the Constitution, you like so many clearly misunderstand the "separation of Church and State.

jona -

Murder -Really!

Its not about murder! The celebration is the Resurrection of Christ Jesus!

Perhaps both of you just like seeing your ignorance in print / online!

ghg-Please enlighten me on which part of the Constitution you are talking about. I don't recall reading that part.

@jona, you obviously have never read the bible,and obviously "don't get it" .

In the United States, Good Friday is not a government holiday at the federal level; however individual states, counties and municipalities may observe the holiday. Good Friday is a state holiday in Connecticut,[9] Delaware,[10] Florida,[11] Hawaii,[12] Indiana,[13] Kentucky,[14] Louisiana,[15] New Jersey,[16] North Carolina,[17] North Dakota,[18] Tennessee[19] and Texas.[20] State and local government offices and courts are closed, as well as some banks and postal offices in these states, and in those counties and municipalities where Good Friday is observed as holiday. How about the anti-Christian just don't look at the Crosses,and learn respect for the beliefs of others, that are upholding the culture of America.

Just respect the constitution and keep them off of public property.

LOL - Celebrate MURDER and make it into a religious holiday! Gotta love the irony of that one.