Editor,
This October the cemetery commission will finally address the fact that Confederate flags continue to fly in our cemetery year ‘round. They’ve been mulling this over since January. It’s simple – just bring the flags out on a holiday. Otherwise we can advertise “Come to Eureka Springs where the CF flies all year long!”
Does anyone honestly believe that flag defines an innocent history of southern pride? Pride in what? Treason and slavery? And don’t forget defeat.
Lately I’ve heard all the distorted history I can stand from members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans about protecting the South and our ancestors. They call themselves a heritage group, but they gloss over slavery and push the “Lost Cause” mythology.
For those of you who defend the flag because you think you’re defending a freedom you are actually defending inequality. The Confederate States were dedicated to the idea that all men were not created equal. Eleven states seceded from the union. They knew the reason for the war. The state’s secession documents knew the reason for the war. The Confederate Constitution knew the reason for the war. Our ancestors knew the reason for the war.
The only people who seem confused are the cemetery commissioners, Sons of the Confederate Veterans, and people who want to sweep slavery under the rug. Will you do your job cemetery commission? Or will you just follow your fellow commissioner wearing the Confederate hat and wave those flags at our next parade?
Kathy Attwood
Thank you for this thoughtful letter!