LAKELAND, Fla.—Publix Super Markets removed a free 2010 calendar from its stores after customers complained that Dec. 7 mentions the beginning of the Islamic new year, but not the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, reports the St. Petersburg Times. Customer complaints started after Joyce Kaufman, a South Florida radio talk show host, criticized Publix for the holiday mention and encouraged listeners to contact Publix in protest.
Publix said it did not include the Pearl Harbor anniversary because it is not recognized as a national holiday, said the St. Petersburg Times. Publix did not list the anniversary in 2009, but does list the Islamic New Year, which varies because it is not based on the 365-day calendar, as well as Passover, Palm Sunday and various countries’ independence days.
Publix does not plan to reprint the free calendar, which contained coupons and is distributed primarily in South Florida. Next year, they will include Pearl Harbor Day, according to the St. Petersburg Times.