The school float started raising concerns Friday afternoon on the Hanover Area Watch Group Facebook page, where dozens of posters were aghast about the optics - whether accidental or intended.


Shelly said the phrase was not part of his original design but came about after a lighted archway with lanterns at the top he ordered didn’t ship on time.

At the last minute, he said he built his own version to create a vision of a somber entrance to a cemetery. He said he researched photos of cemeteries online.

“I wanted to illustrate the idea none of us get out of this life alive,” Shelly said. “I never intended anything to be like this. I couldn’t have anticipated it. I made a mistake and I ask everyone’s forgiveness.”

The elaborate float also featured ghosts on a swing set and a rock ‘n’ roll jukebox.

Shelly said he is upset by the repercussions from his mistake and feels badly for the church and school, including the students.