Date published: 3/25/2005
Society has such a lack of knowledge about the Confederate battle flag’s true meaning. Albert Burckard’s act of burying a flag that a quarter of the South’s male population died for has made this apparent ["Man lays Confederate flag to rest," Feb. 26].
Slavery was a way of life in the United States 85 years before the Confederate flag was even conceived. Do you see anyone wanting to destroy the U.S. flag because of slavery prior to the war?
Does the phrase "Remember the Alamo" ring a bell? I don’t see anyone destroying the Mexican flag. What about African flags? Are we to destroy them, as well?
The Confederate battle flag represented a union of states–outnumbered 3-to-1–who were willing to die for their homes.
The Confederate flag stands for the devotion of men like Robert E. Lee, who was offered command of the Union Army but refused, saying, "I will not draw my sword against my state of Virginia, except in her defense."
The Confederate flag stands for the spirit of men like Stonewall Jackson, who requested that he be buried with his head facing north so it could never be said that he turned his back on the South.
The Confederate flag stands as a monument to the massive destruction of land, home, and families. This is the flag that was taken into battle and was proudly displayed by men and boys; their battles were scribed onto her fabrics and etched into history.
To the true Southerner, the Confederate flag is sacred and should be treated with respect. This is our history. This is our heritage. It should be taught, not destroyed.
Copyright 2005, The Free Lance-Star Publishing Co. of Fredericksburg, Va.
On The Web: http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2005/032005/03252005/1709710
