Letter: 'Happy holidays' is more inclusive

Many people do not like "Merry Xmas." They say put Christ back into Christmas. It is there. In Greek, "X" means Christ. Thus, "Xmas."

Also, if it weren't for an unsung hero, we may have lost the Revolutionary War. His name was Haym Salomon (birth name Chaim Salomon). He joined the Sons of Liberty. In September 1776, he was arrested as a spy. The British pardoned him. He was arrested again and sentenced to death but managed to escape. He personally contributed and raised more than $650,000 for the war (about $16.8 million in 2013 dollars).

His most meaningful financial contribution came immediately prior to the Battle of Yorktown. Washington's war chest was completely empty, his troops were close to mutiny, and he needed $20,000 or face defeat. Washington called for Salomon, who raised the $20,000. Washington was then able to conduct the Yorktown campaign, which was the final battle of the Revolution.

Salomon died in poverty on Jan. 8, 1785, in Philadelphia. He celebrated Chanukah this time of year.

Happy holidays.

Murray Weiner

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 6:10 AM with the headline "Letter: 'Happy holidays' is more inclusive."