When the United States was founded, the government was based on a system that didn’t endorse a state religion, as did medieval Italy (Catholicism) or England with the Church of England (Protestant).

The goal wasn’t an exclusion of all religion, even though many seem to twist that point today, but an inclusion of all religion without a national religion.

While the concept of separation of church and state might be implied by the First Amendment, which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …” It says nothing about the separation of church and state.

Even if the notion of the separation between church and state being implied by the First Amendment is real, its intent was not to protect the people from religion; it is there to protect religious freedoms from the government.

Remember the Pilgrims?

Should we stop celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day or Valentine’s Day just because they were formed from the beliefs and customs of Christianity? Or can we concede that the holidays themselves have transcended their religious meanings and have actually become part of our traditions and national heritage?

Customs, traditions and cultures all over the world are rooted in religious foundations. Should we lose our traditions and, with it, the history of our journey as a society?

Should we rewrite our histories?

Joe Morin, Auburn