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Jan. 26, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: In these times when so many “with it” people are trying to tell others what to do, how to live, and most dastardly of all, what to think, I admire the spunk of the people who dared to display the Confederate Battle Flag on the streets of Lexington during Lee-Jackson Weekend. In the face of smug opposition, who would call them haters, rednecks or the uneducated, these flag aficionados were willing to make the intersection of Main and Nelson Streets for a while a sea of red, blue and white Stars and Bars flags on that Friday and hold signs that read “Honk If You Love This Flag.” They were also willing to bravely raise that flag high and sing “Dixie” while marching down Main Street the next day.
Independence is supposed to be a virtue in the United States. And the symbol of that independence is exhibited in July (and at other times) when we haul out another red, white and blue flag, the Stars and Stripes, and run it up to flutter in the breeze on flagpoles. However, I’m thinking that American society is just another example of peer pressure, beckoning people to follow along with whatever customs, ideas (and flags) are the Spirit of the Times. In light of this, what I saw on Lee-Jackson weekend were people who were not ashamed nor afraid to go against the grain, raise a Rebel flag, and remember Lee and Jackson, even if others would disavow these important figures in American history and hate(!?!) the standard-bearers. ANGELA WATKINS Natural Bridge Station
