Dear Editor,
I’ve had all I can stand about the Confederate Battle Flag (CBF). I spent thirty-five years as an Infantry Officer in the SCARNG and was mobilized for Operation Noble Eagle in the GWOT. I swear my allegiance to the US Flag, took an oath to defend that flag and our Constitution and as far as I know, no one has relieved me from that oath. To align myself with the CBF or any other Flag would be treason.
The CBF is now a symbol, not a Flag any more. It symbolizes the bravery of the Southern Soldier, in some of the most brutal combat in the history of warfare. I do not think it needs to fly over government buildings but I will fight with my life to preserve Confederate Monuments. The Vietnam Memorial, which I visited last week, is not a monument to a just war or cause. It memorializes the sacrifice and bravery of soldiers who fought hard and did their duty. There is no Victory in Vietnam day, but we have VE and VJ days. No one can change or ameliorate the intrepidity or suffering of our Vietnam Veterans but we can pay homage to their bravery.
This is how I see Confederate Memorials.
When Wade Hampton formed his Legion, everybody who worked for him went off to war or their family starved. It wasn’t like the common soldier had a choice. Ninety-five of Confederate Soldiers never owned a slave.
We need to stop the fight over the CBF, let all know that we will never dishonor our relatives by tearing down the monuments that signify bravery and heroism beyond the call of duty. Those who hate our brave Southern Soldiers need to get over it.
Philip Williams
Lexington, S.C.
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