Was born south of the Mason- Dixon but raised in MI. Not sure if folks consider me rebel or yank, but I have always had a strong belief in states rights and am proud of my country regardless of which side of the fence people like to stand on. I agree it's a shame that so many of the monuments to the hero's of the south who gave all for what they believed in are now no longer accepted. Indeed it's a sad page in our national story, as sad as slavery, or civil rights abuse. JMHO.
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Here's my view on this clearly non-RV related debate (yes I know this is a non-RV related thread - I'm "not following" after this message)
Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor ALL veterans, including those on both sides of the Civil War. If ancestors of Confederate Army soldiers choose to cut out a separate day for their fallen heroes, fine. I wish them a peaceful holiday but if you can't, then just stay silent. Is there really a need to put a burr under someone's saddle on a day of respect and contemplation because YOU don't agree with them. For God's sake, be quiet and let them have the holiday. Save your ideological debate for another day. For those of you who passionately believe the South was right, don't use this day as a chance to hop on a soapbox, just honor your fallen heroes.
I don't know how this morphed into an extended debate on the Civil War, slavery, etc. At the end of the day, "Confederate Memorial Day" is a celebration observed by folks who have proud family histories to honor their fallen heroes. I honor all veterans, knowing that many of us who picked up the sword risked everything because their duly elected government compelled them to do so - it's called "duty". Not everyone was a volunteer, so don't condemn those who did their duty as their country defined it. Just wish them a nice day, even if you don't agree with them - or, at very least stay silent.
My father was drafted during WWII - would you dishonor him with your words and actions because you thought that war was wrong? He was recalled during Korea - ditto? I volunteered for Vietnam - go ahead and denigrate me because you didn't believe in that war - I don't care - just don't do it on a day that is meant to respect our military. My son joined the Marines after 9/11 - he volunteered, and sacrificed to give you the right to your opinion. So even though it is your right to spout your thoughts, don't do it on a day meant to honor those who helped secure that right. If you can't say thank you, rather than denigrate someone's beliefs, just remain silent. Save the debate.
The point is that even if you don't agree with someone's point of view, be civil ... it might help prevent yet another civil war. In my opinion, we have enough anarchists trying to destroy us - let's come together and fight that threat, not each other. For those of you who celebrate Confederate Memorial Day, have a peaceful holiday.