Brightening soldiers’ holiday

Stoughton firefighters will again send Christmas packages to any Stoughton resident serving away from home in the military. The tradition was started decades ago by Harry Landman, a longtime Stoughton resident who would see departing members of the military off at the local train station. Firefighter Jim Rush said that after Landman died, his department picked up the torch of honoring the armed forces. “We are proud to carry on the tradition,” said Rush. “It is just a small way of saying ‘Thank you for their service and sacrifice.’ ” The Christmas package consists of candy, cookies, toiletries, and DVDs. Residents should submit names and military addresses in writing to the attention of either Firefighter James Rush or Firefighter James Brackett at the Stoughton Fire Station, 30 Freeman St., no later than Dec. 2. - Rich Fahey