Objects to racist label

Dear Editor:

This is in response to the letter from Mr. David Walters concerning what he terms "misplaced zeal" among those who choose to proclaim their Southern heritage.

Around the 4th day of November, 2002, there will be a man who will walk across the Alabama state line from Georgia. This man's name is H.K. Edgarton and he will be carrying a Confederate Battle Flag, he will be wearing a Confederate Army uniform, and his purpose is to promote awareness of Confederate history and Southern heritage. He started in his home state of North Carolina and will walk all the way across Dixie with Texas as his final destination. As a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, I plan to take a trip to Montgomery and march with Mr. Edgarton for a few miles and contribute what I can to aid his cause. By the way, did I forget to mention that H.K Edgarton is an African-American? Is he and all the other African-Americans who are descended from Confederate soldiers all "thinly veiled" racists?

Unfortunately for all Southerners, there are many hate groups who choose to fly the Confederate flag. This stereotype has attached itself to all those who are proud to be Southerners in the minds of some people. However, did you know that in many parts of the world the Confederate Battle Flag has become an international symbol of rebellion against tyranny? British tanks flew the Battle Flag during Desert Storm. There was a West German youth waving a Confederate Battle Flag as the Berlin Wall fell in the early '90's. Are these more thinly veiled racists, Mr. Walters?

The Americans who fought in WWI, WWII, and the Korean Conflict are all honored as heroes. The Americans who served in Vietnam were dishonored unfairly for many years until the veterans themselves fought for and won their rightful place in history. After the War between the States ended, the defeated Confederate soldiers were held in very high esteem by their former enemies who fought for the Union and their honor was well established. In the last few decades, many have sought to soil the honor of the Boys in Gray and what they fought and died for.

These heroes are all dead now and cannot speak out against those who want to desecrate their memory, so it is up to groups like the Sons of Confederate Veterans to speak for them. Did you know that there is an organization called the Sons of Union Veterans and another called the Grand Army of the Republic who are all descendants of Union Veterans and both of these pro-Northern groups zealously support the display of the Confederate Battle Flag in most of the places others have tried to have it removed? More racists, I guess.

You mention that those who choose to fly the Battle Flag should be considered a menace and should be shunned by the rest of the community. Those are strong words for a person who claims to dislike hate as you do, Sir. You are the one who seems to harbor a prejudice against others simply because you do not agree with their views.

Dallas Hudson, Jr.

Adjutant, Covington Rifles SCV Camp #1586