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Palestine, TX. -
Friday morning April 1, 2011 the Confederate Flag was
raised over the Anderson County Courthouse in Palestine,
Texas only to be removed a few days later, after causing
controversy and racial tension.
The Sons of the Confederate Veterans John H. Reagan Camp
#2156 and United Daughters of the Confederacy
Davis-Reagan Chapter #2292 raising of the flag came with
all the ceremony, pomp and circumstance of the United
States Flag or the Texas Flag. Yet, employees of the
County, many right inside the courthouse, and other
important Palestine officials stayed away. Members of
the local NAACP stood silently by carrying signs that
read “Protest” while a sheriff patrol stood watch around
the ceremony area and courthouse square. Anderson
County Commissioner’s voted 3 - 2 at their March 28th
Meeting for approval of honoring Confederate Soldier’s
during the month of April at the request of Ronnie
Hatfield and group of the Sons of the Confederate.
Commissioners Rashad Mims and Kenneth Dickson
voted against the request and Commissioners Joe Chaffin,
Joe Hill |
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and Robert Johnson voting for approval.
Members of the Confederate groups say
honoring the Confederate soldiers and flying the flag is
not about racism but honoring the men who fought in the
Civil War. War veteran, Kenneth Davidson,
president of the local NAACP led a group that turned
their backs in protest when the flag was raised. “I
could not do it. I could not do it, Davidson Said,
referring to turning his back as the controversial flag
was raised. “I have no problem with them celebrating
their history, but what I do have a problem with is them
flying that flag over our county courthouse. I fought
for the U. S. Flag. I do not honor that flag that is a
symbol of pain and suffering inflicted on our race of
people as they were slaved, hanged, raped and made to
live in poverty and degradation.”
The Mayor of Palestine called for
an emergency meeting the following Monday for the
purpose of passing a resolution asking the county to
remove the flag. The flag was removed by the
chapter of the sons of Confederate Veterans on Monday
night just as the Palestine City Council was meeting to
call for its removal.
Entire story. |
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