Hundreds Celebrate Lee-Jackson Day in Lexington
Posted: Jan 17, 2015
By Whitney Delbridge

Lexington, VA- Hundreds from all over the country flocked to Lexington today to celebrate Lee-Jackson Day. 

    

The state holiday, created in 1889, celebrates the birthdays of Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.

The holiday was actually Friday, but Saturday folks came together to hold a ceremony at Jackson’s grave, watched a parade, and finished with a service at Lexington Presbyterian Church.

Many say they are proud to honor Lee and Jackson for the men of character they were, and that’s why they gather each year to remember them.

"We believe that general Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were good people."

"We’ve been living in Virginia for many years and I think it’s very important for the kids to know the history of the place where they live."

To honor men they say changed the nation for the better. He more than anyone seriously began the work of rebuilding our shattered region and our divided nation," said guest speaker, Ben Jones.

They say both men had devout Christian character and cared for everyone around them.

“Jackson said that black slaves should be free and have a chance, he felt that they should be taught to read so that they could learn the Bible," said Jones.

Lee Jackson – Day has been honored in Lexington since the late 19th century, but in 2000, the first large scale celebration in nearly 25 years was brought back to the town, and each year since the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Virginia Flaggers, and other groups join with the public to honor their memory.

After a ceremony at Stonewall Jackson’s Grave, the group marched downtown in a parade.  Followed by a memorial service at Lexington Presbyterian Church– the church Jackson attended.

We could not ask for better examples than general Lee and General Jackson," said Charles Kelly Barrow, of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.

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