NAACP protests Confederate flag in Anderson County
ANDERSON COUNTY, TX (KLTV) - Many Texas Courthouses fly both the American and Texas flags, but the Anderson County Courthouse in Palestine now flies three. The third flag is the first Confederate flag. Anderson County Commissioners voted Monday to approve flying the flag. They declared April Confederate History and Heritage Month to honor those who fought the Civil War.
But, not everyone feels the flag represents just history.
The Anderson County Commissioners passed the Confederate History Resolution vote March 28th. So, today they kicked off the History and Heritage month by letting the Sons Of Confederate Veterans raise the first Confederate Flag, also known as the Stars and Bars, as a remembrance. Palestine NAACP President Kenneth Davidson, a Vietnam Veteran, doesn't think of that flag that way.
He said," I did not fight for this flag. This flag was hung over my people as they were hung. This flag was flying. So, how can you celebrate this and say this is for education for me. It's not."
Ronnie Hatfield with the Sons Of Confederate Veterans said," I disagree with their view and what I see is a problem of lack of education. Not on their part because that's all the schools offer is a biased point of education and a lot of the things that were truthful about the war are left out. And, when I was in school, U.S. History book had a whole chapter dedicated to the war in the states, and as it is today, there may be four pages."
Davidson said," I respect the United States flag and the Texas flag. I do not respect this flag. I served for the United States flag, I served for the Texas Flag. I served my country, but I did not serve for the Confederate flag. So, I had to turn my back because I do not respect this flag."
Doug Smith, Palestine resident said," We're not conveying anything about a cause or anything like that, we're simply honoring those that fought for what they believed in back in those days."
"I just wish that the city of Palestine would come together as a community because this is going to start a lot more discrimination and hatred here because this flag is flying for a whole month," Davidson added.
For now at least the flag still flies, and after the ceremony cool heads prevailed.
The Confederate History and Heritage resolution was passed by the Commissioners by a narrow 3-2 vote.
http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14369046
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Flag Flies over Anderson County Texas
Confederate Flag flies in East Texas
PALESTINE (KYTX) - A Confederate flag is now flying above the Anderson County courthouse. It was put there Friday morning in honor of Confederate History and Heritage Month. The flag flying is the first national flag of the Confederacy also known as the 'stars and bars'. The Sons of Confederate Veterans put the flag up at the Anderson County courthouse Friday morning during a special ceremony, but not everyone is happy about the flag flying in their county.
A symbol of the past is hoisted high above the Anderson County courthouse.
"It's a soldiers flag and that's what we pay honor to," explained Ronnie Hattfield. Five of his ancestors fought in the Civil War, three came home.
Friday, Hattfield honored them and the other 1000 soldiers who walked down Lacy Street in Palestine 150 years ago to go to war.
"About 100 yards from where we stand my great great grandfather got this flag from the citizens of Anderson County to walk down Lacy Street to go to war and he never came back," Hattfield said. "Today we have the opportunity to give the flag back to Anderson County and it's a great personal honor."
Honor, heritage, and celebrating ancestry.
"I'm so moved by this occasion," Dolley Jeffus said. "Our confederate ancestors have needed to be honored for so many years we're just so happy today."
But not everyone agrees. A handful of protestors held signs arguing the flag represents hate not heritage.
"This flag means hatred," said Kenneth Davidson with the NAACP. "Because we have seen people hung with this flag over their head."
Davidson said his ancestors were slaves. "I have no problem with celebrating heritage and their roots. I have a problem with the flag."
But Hattfield hopes the flag will encourage understanding through education, that could last for generations to come.
The flag will fly over the courthouse through the month of April. The Sons of Confederate Veterans are hoping this will become an annual event in Anderson County.
The Texas Legislature adopted a resolution that recognized April as Confederate History and Heritage Month March 30, 1999.
http://www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?S=14368437#
PALESTINE (KYTX) - A Confederate flag is now flying above the Anderson County courthouse. It was put there Friday morning in honor of Confederate History and Heritage Month. The flag flying is the first national flag of the Confederacy also known as the 'stars and bars'. The Sons of Confederate Veterans put the flag up at the Anderson County courthouse Friday morning during a special ceremony, but not everyone is happy about the flag flying in their county.
A symbol of the past is hoisted high above the Anderson County courthouse.
"It's a soldiers flag and that's what we pay honor to," explained Ronnie Hattfield. Five of his ancestors fought in the Civil War, three came home.
Friday, Hattfield honored them and the other 1000 soldiers who walked down Lacy Street in Palestine 150 years ago to go to war.
"About 100 yards from where we stand my great great grandfather got this flag from the citizens of Anderson County to walk down Lacy Street to go to war and he never came back," Hattfield said. "Today we have the opportunity to give the flag back to Anderson County and it's a great personal honor."
Honor, heritage, and celebrating ancestry.
"I'm so moved by this occasion," Dolley Jeffus said. "Our confederate ancestors have needed to be honored for so many years we're just so happy today."
But not everyone agrees. A handful of protestors held signs arguing the flag represents hate not heritage.
"This flag means hatred," said Kenneth Davidson with the NAACP. "Because we have seen people hung with this flag over their head."
Davidson said his ancestors were slaves. "I have no problem with celebrating heritage and their roots. I have a problem with the flag."
But Hattfield hopes the flag will encourage understanding through education, that could last for generations to come.
The flag will fly over the courthouse through the month of April. The Sons of Confederate Veterans are hoping this will become an annual event in Anderson County.
The Texas Legislature adopted a resolution that recognized April as Confederate History and Heritage Month March 30, 1999.
http://www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?S=14368437#
Thursday, March 31, 2011
SCV Wins Florida Tag Suit
Confederate Group Wins Florida License Plate Skirmish in Federal CourtJudge calls legislative interference in issuing specialty tags unconstitutional
By: Kenric Ward March 31, 2011
Florida Confederate license plate
In a decision that could affect the issuance of future specialty license plates in Florida, a federal judge overturned the state's rejection of a Confederate tag. Judge John Antoon said the state acted unconstitutionally in rejecting a specialty plate for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The group had paid the requisite fees and complied with all conditions applicable to the sale of the tag, but the Legislature blocked its issuance.
"By placing unfettered discretion in the hands of government officials to grant or deny access to a public forum, section 320.08053, Florida Statutes, creates a threat of censorship that by its very existence chills free speech," wrote Antoon, a judge in the Middle District of Florida. "This threat of censorship is heightened when the speech at issue is controversial, as it is in this case. Indeed, the fact that the speech is controversial strikes at the very heart of First Amendment protections," the judge stated.
"Accordingly, because section 320.08053 (2009) implicates private speech rights and provides the Legislature with unfettered discretion to engage in viewpoint discrimination when declining to approve a specialty license plate application, it is unconstitutional under the overbreadth doctrine." Orlando attorney Fred O'Neal, who represented the SCV, said in an e-mail: "We had hoped the judge would have ordered the DMV to issue our plate directly (i.e., without legislative approval) or, in the alternative, to shut the door for everyone else by declaring the statute creating the approval process unconstitutional (i.e., if we can't get our plate issued, then no one should be able to get a plate issued). The judge went with the latter."
John Adams, head of the Florida SCV, said Confederate license plates have been issued in nearly a dozen other states, including two versions in Virginia. A survey by the SCV indicated that as many as 30,000 Floridians would purchase the plate. Adams criticized the Florida Legislature for "arbitrary and capricious" action in rejecting the SCV tag, which had received administrative approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles. A state report signaled trouble back in 2004 when it was suggested that legislative involvement could politicize the process -- a problem identified in Judge Antoon's decision.
"I'm working the phones to get this [plate] amended onto another license plate bill. Ultimately, the rest of this statute has to get cleaned up," Adams said.
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/confederate-group-wins-florida-license-plate-kirmish-federal-court
Sunday, March 27, 2011
New Study on War Deaths
NOTE: Edwin Ray mentioned in the article is a member of the Virginia Division.
New Research Questions Who in the Confederacy Had the Most War Dead
March 27, 2011
The Wall Street Journal
Text Size Historian Josh Howard is playing with fire in the heart of the old Confederacy, with a scholarly finding that could rewrite the history of the Civil War, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.
For more than a century, North Carolina has proudly claimed that it lost more soldiers than any other Southern state in the nation's bloodiest conflict. But after meticulously combing through military, hospital and cemetery records, the historian is finding the truth isn't so clear-cut.
Official military records compiled in 1866 counted 40,275 North Carolina soldiers who died in uniform. Though known to be faulty, those records have gone largely unchallenged. With most of his research done, Howard has confirmed only about 31,000 deaths. "It's a number we can defend with real documents," he said.
He expects to confirm a few thousand more by the time he finishes this summer, but the final tally will most certainly fall short of the original count.
Across the state border in Virginia, traditionally believed to have the fourth-highest number of war deaths in the Confederacy, librarian Edwin Ray has identified about 31,000 Virginia soldiers who died in the war -- more than double the Old Dominion's once-accepted number of 14,794. And he still has more to add.
"It's going to be close," said Ray, a 55-year-old air force veteran who works at the Library of Virginia. "Josh and I are sure of that. It's going to come down to a very small number."
With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War beginning in mid-April, that small number could spark a big controversy between two states with rivalries that date back to the great conflict. Some Civil War buffs in North Carolina have already accused Howard of attempting to diminish the state's heroism and the hardship it suffered. "Records were a whole lot fresher 150 years ago," said Thomas Smith Jr., commander of the North Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans, who is suspicious of Howard's new count.
"I don't care if Virginia has two people more who died, or a hundred more," said Michael Chapman, a 55-year-old videographer from Polkton, N.C., who used to head up the local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp. He calls the recounts "irrelevant."
The research by Howard and Ray has the potential to rewrite part of the history of the war that redefined America.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/27/new-research-questions-confederacy-war-dead/?test=faces
New Research Questions Who in the Confederacy Had the Most War Dead
March 27, 2011
The Wall Street Journal
Text Size Historian Josh Howard is playing with fire in the heart of the old Confederacy, with a scholarly finding that could rewrite the history of the Civil War, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.
For more than a century, North Carolina has proudly claimed that it lost more soldiers than any other Southern state in the nation's bloodiest conflict. But after meticulously combing through military, hospital and cemetery records, the historian is finding the truth isn't so clear-cut.
Official military records compiled in 1866 counted 40,275 North Carolina soldiers who died in uniform. Though known to be faulty, those records have gone largely unchallenged. With most of his research done, Howard has confirmed only about 31,000 deaths. "It's a number we can defend with real documents," he said.
He expects to confirm a few thousand more by the time he finishes this summer, but the final tally will most certainly fall short of the original count.
Across the state border in Virginia, traditionally believed to have the fourth-highest number of war deaths in the Confederacy, librarian Edwin Ray has identified about 31,000 Virginia soldiers who died in the war -- more than double the Old Dominion's once-accepted number of 14,794. And he still has more to add.
"It's going to be close," said Ray, a 55-year-old air force veteran who works at the Library of Virginia. "Josh and I are sure of that. It's going to come down to a very small number."
With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War beginning in mid-April, that small number could spark a big controversy between two states with rivalries that date back to the great conflict. Some Civil War buffs in North Carolina have already accused Howard of attempting to diminish the state's heroism and the hardship it suffered. "Records were a whole lot fresher 150 years ago," said Thomas Smith Jr., commander of the North Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans, who is suspicious of Howard's new count.
"I don't care if Virginia has two people more who died, or a hundred more," said Michael Chapman, a 55-year-old videographer from Polkton, N.C., who used to head up the local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp. He calls the recounts "irrelevant."
The research by Howard and Ray has the potential to rewrite part of the history of the war that redefined America.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/27/new-research-questions-confederacy-war-dead/?test=faces
Friday, March 25, 2011
Land Purchased for Gettysburg
Salazar announces land acquisition at Gettysburg
GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Friday announced the addition of a 95-acre parcel at Gettysburg National Military Park, saying it caps nearly two decades of efforts to acquire the property.
What had most recently been a nine-hole golf course at the former Gettysburg Country Club will henceforth be known by its historical name — the Emanuel Harman Farm. Major fighting occurred there July 1, 1863, the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and a key victory for the Union forces.
"Gettysburg will always have a sacred place in the America's heritage for the pivotal role it played in our nation's history and for the enormity of the sacrifice that took place here," Salazar said in a visit to the central Pennsylvania park. With the latest acquisition, "we are able to include another important chapter in the story that helped shape our country."
The National Park Service, which is part of the Interior Department, tried unsuccessfully for nearly 20 years to acquire property, which lies within the boundaries of the 6,000-acre park.
The property was part of a larger tract that was developed as a country club in the 1950s, but went out of business in 2008.
Salazar thanked The Conservation Fund and The Civil War Trust for helping make the acquisition possible.
"Visitors who are now free to explore this hallowed ground can give thanks for the contributions of both of these organizations to preserving our national heritage," he said.
The Virginia-based Conservation Fund purchased the land in February from a Maryland developer for $1.4 million. The developer retained the remaining 14 acres — including two clubhouses, two swimming pools, tennis courts and parking lots — and donated a height restriction easement for that parcel.
The golf course will be removed and the land restored to its original 1863 condition.
Civil War Trust president James Lighthizer said his organization is still pursuing the purchase of three other privately-held properties that are part of the battle site.
"We have been presented with the incredible opportunity to set aside some of the most blood-soaked ground still unprotected at Gettysburg," Lighthizer said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_gettysburg_acquisition
GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Friday announced the addition of a 95-acre parcel at Gettysburg National Military Park, saying it caps nearly two decades of efforts to acquire the property.
What had most recently been a nine-hole golf course at the former Gettysburg Country Club will henceforth be known by its historical name — the Emanuel Harman Farm. Major fighting occurred there July 1, 1863, the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and a key victory for the Union forces.
"Gettysburg will always have a sacred place in the America's heritage for the pivotal role it played in our nation's history and for the enormity of the sacrifice that took place here," Salazar said in a visit to the central Pennsylvania park. With the latest acquisition, "we are able to include another important chapter in the story that helped shape our country."
The National Park Service, which is part of the Interior Department, tried unsuccessfully for nearly 20 years to acquire property, which lies within the boundaries of the 6,000-acre park.
The property was part of a larger tract that was developed as a country club in the 1950s, but went out of business in 2008.
Salazar thanked The Conservation Fund and The Civil War Trust for helping make the acquisition possible.
"Visitors who are now free to explore this hallowed ground can give thanks for the contributions of both of these organizations to preserving our national heritage," he said.
The Virginia-based Conservation Fund purchased the land in February from a Maryland developer for $1.4 million. The developer retained the remaining 14 acres — including two clubhouses, two swimming pools, tennis courts and parking lots — and donated a height restriction easement for that parcel.
The golf course will be removed and the land restored to its original 1863 condition.
Civil War Trust president James Lighthizer said his organization is still pursuing the purchase of three other privately-held properties that are part of the battle site.
"We have been presented with the incredible opportunity to set aside some of the most blood-soaked ground still unprotected at Gettysburg," Lighthizer said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_gettysburg_acquisition
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monument to West Florida Republic to be Unveiled
Compatriots,
The "five-pointed star" mentioned in the article was a white star on a blue field. This flag is better know today as the "Bonnie Blue Flag" - it began as the flag of the West Florida Republic. A variant of this flag was also used in Texas' war for independence from Mexico.
The West Florida Republic was that part of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River, west and south of the Mississippi Territory and north of New Orleans - today called the Florida Parishes of Louisiana.
Chuck Rand
AIC
West Florida Monument to be Unveiled Saturday
3/16/2011
ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne is expected to unveil a new monument to the West Florida Rebellion of 1810 in a program Saturday on the grounds of the West Feliciana Parish courthouse. David Norwood, chairman of the parish's Bicentennial Committee, tells The Advocate that the program will serve as the closing ceremony for the Republic of West Florida Bicentennial.
The 800-pound granite monument has been placed in a small St. Francisville park and is topped with the five-pointed star featured on the republic's flag.
The republic was established in 1810 with the West Florida citizens' capture of Fort San Carlos at Baton Rouge, ending Spanish rule in the area. The republic existed until its annexation by the United States as part of the Louisiana Territory.
http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=thenewsstar&sParam=36030609.story
The "five-pointed star" mentioned in the article was a white star on a blue field. This flag is better know today as the "Bonnie Blue Flag" - it began as the flag of the West Florida Republic. A variant of this flag was also used in Texas' war for independence from Mexico.
The West Florida Republic was that part of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River, west and south of the Mississippi Territory and north of New Orleans - today called the Florida Parishes of Louisiana.
Chuck Rand
AIC
West Florida Monument to be Unveiled Saturday
3/16/2011
ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne is expected to unveil a new monument to the West Florida Rebellion of 1810 in a program Saturday on the grounds of the West Feliciana Parish courthouse. David Norwood, chairman of the parish's Bicentennial Committee, tells The Advocate that the program will serve as the closing ceremony for the Republic of West Florida Bicentennial.
The 800-pound granite monument has been placed in a small St. Francisville park and is topped with the five-pointed star featured on the republic's flag.
The republic was established in 1810 with the West Florida citizens' capture of Fort San Carlos at Baton Rouge, ending Spanish rule in the area. The republic existed until its annexation by the United States as part of the Louisiana Territory.
http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=thenewsstar&sParam=36030609.story
MOH Committee New Chairman
New Chairman for Medal of Honor Committee
Colonel Auston E. "Gene" Smith, USAF Retired, has been selected as Chairman of the Medal of Honor Committee, replacing retiring chairman PCIC Ed Deason. Commander Deason has done an outstanding job for the last two administrations but is stepping down in order to travel extensively. Please welcome Gene Smith into this new position.
James L. "Spike" Speicher
Chief-of-Staff
Sons of Confederate Veterans
913-962-9986
http://scv.org/
Colonel Auston E. "Gene" Smith, USAF Retired, has been selected as Chairman of the Medal of Honor Committee, replacing retiring chairman PCIC Ed Deason. Commander Deason has done an outstanding job for the last two administrations but is stepping down in order to travel extensively. Please welcome Gene Smith into this new position.
James L. "Spike" Speicher
Chief-of-Staff
Sons of Confederate Veterans
913-962-9986
http://scv.org/
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