Thank you for this column. We moved to VA from Iowa in 2007. That confederate flag always jumped out at us when we traveled past. Thank you for the background. My negative comments about it caused a huge falling out with my neighbor when I first saw it. Thanks for sharing more illustrious history. Prayers for your healing.
Currently reading "Bedford Boys". Thirty four men from the Virginia National Guard fought in the battle of D-Day. Twenty Three of them died in the battle. I like to think that most Americans are patriotic and love their country. In WWII I know France had the resistance movement which included women in the resistance but I had to chuckle with your comments about the French museum's depiction of the military success in fighting off the Germans in WWII. God bless our country and our allies, worldwide.
Tennessee, America’s tightrope. You can easily fall off either side to the north or south, but if it weren’t for the Mississippi I don’t think it would ever end.
This bit struck me, “Thankfully, we found a Cracker Barrel …”
I had a friend who just loved Cracker Barrel. I’ve driven past a lot of them, but I have eaten there once or twice. I suppose it is a good place to go if you want a meal AND a dog toy. Most places do not give you that option.
Warning: we posted a pic of our dog with a brand new toy once and got several messages about removing the little plastic tag holder - because apparently our friends think we are simpletons. Get ready for the pet blowback.
Dear Ken, Please forgive my crass remark: Perhaps you are just getting too old for heavy traffic and heinous b.s. on a long, southern trip. Wonder if you'll take another route next time! It's a snow-covered fairy land (for those not shoveling) this morning and is crispy cold up here in Queensbury, so enjoy the milder weather while you can.
Born in Macon Georgia, in the Sixties I volunteered for James Farmer, founder of CORE, and leader of the Freedom Rides, while home on leave from the Navy. A few years before, 3 other volunteers for CORE in Mississippi were not so lucky. We now can tell the rednecks there's finally an African American worthy of being 'sent back to Africa': Elon Musk.
I sometimes wonder what the South would be like today if the Southern states had been allowed to secede. I am quite sure legal slavery would have eventually ended, as it did in the rest of the world. And maybe the former slaves would have assimilated without there being forced segregation and the subsequent need for forced integration.
A related story while visiting a museum March 2024 titled "War Between the States" located in a white clapboard house in a residential neighborhood in Florence, South Carolina . A lawn sign said "See Your Heritage! WAR BETWEEN THE STATES Museum". A grey-haired woman in her sixties greeted us from a small desk and asked for $4, explaining that she and her husband receive limited funds and needed donations to keep open. The entrance, cluttered with confederate memorabilia for sale, lead into a house filled with war artifacts - walls covered with photos of Confederate soldiers and sailors and government officials; fighting instruments such as firearms, cannons, swords, and armor; and personal items including uniforms.
As I walked through the rooms I strove to understand what I see as a war to free enslaved people others saw as a war to preserve the liberty and freedom of the South. A poster in what was once the dining room contained the headline The War for States’s Rights 1861 – 1865 with the quote in all caps “OUR MOTTO: SOUTHERN RIGHTS, EQUALITY OF THE STATES, DON’T TREAD ON ME.” This museum honors the memory of the veterans who fought for secession based on this principle. Life-size statues of soldiers carrying shotguns along-side confederate flags were prominent. This museum was founded in 1988 by sons of confederate veterans. Their story is centered on the belief that the Civil War was not about slavery but about states’ rights and defending the South from Northern aggression.
I have no problem with statues of confederate soldiers and confederate flags on battlegrounds of the civil war. But I do not believe those that took up arms or flags of those that took up arms against the United States of America should be honored — such as naming schools after them, or having statues in their honor erected in front of government buildings, or flying their flag on public buildings. At a battle field fine. What private citizens do is their business, but not on or in front of public buildings.
You see more than enough Confederate flags here in upstate NY. Must be all the "southern pride" a few miles from the Canadian border. The Confederate mentality is certainly alive and well there too.
I knew a student once who got a shiny new Confederate flag belt buckle, who asked me one day if it was a racist symbol. I guess someone had called him out on it. I explained that as a symbol of the Confederacy, which fought against the US for the right of those states to keep slaves, yes it is seen as a racist symbol. He said “I just thought it meant you’re a redneck.” If one learned history from watching The Dukes of Hazzard, I suppose that is what one would think!
Um, were you referring to the "War of Northern Aggression" that they are still fighting? Of course the war was good for the slaves, they had jobs!!! As I look at how Trump just got elected all I can think is here comes deja vu all over again.
After over 150 years, one would think they could move on. Remembering is one thing. Comparing Abraham Lincoln to Hitler is quite another. Often, I think secession is not a bad idea. I once knew a professional person whose family business was around before the Civil War and is still there. He referred, not jokingly, to the "War of Northern Aggression." The Confederacy is alive and well in the South.
Sophia seems to be a special companion.
Please edit: it’s elicit not illicit and reign not rein. Thanks. Wishing you safe travels.
Thank you for this column. We moved to VA from Iowa in 2007. That confederate flag always jumped out at us when we traveled past. Thank you for the background. My negative comments about it caused a huge falling out with my neighbor when I first saw it. Thanks for sharing more illustrious history. Prayers for your healing.
“Illustrious”.
thank you...this continues to be scary, especially in light of our current political environment. Happy Holidays!
Currently reading "Bedford Boys". Thirty four men from the Virginia National Guard fought in the battle of D-Day. Twenty Three of them died in the battle. I like to think that most Americans are patriotic and love their country. In WWII I know France had the resistance movement which included women in the resistance but I had to chuckle with your comments about the French museum's depiction of the military success in fighting off the Germans in WWII. God bless our country and our allies, worldwide.
Tennessee, America’s tightrope. You can easily fall off either side to the north or south, but if it weren’t for the Mississippi I don’t think it would ever end.
This bit struck me, “Thankfully, we found a Cracker Barrel …”
I had a friend who just loved Cracker Barrel. I’ve driven past a lot of them, but I have eaten there once or twice. I suppose it is a good place to go if you want a meal AND a dog toy. Most places do not give you that option.
Warning: we posted a pic of our dog with a brand new toy once and got several messages about removing the little plastic tag holder - because apparently our friends think we are simpletons. Get ready for the pet blowback.
I’m ready!
Lots of people being picky with their comments today.
Onward!
The closing words in the Lost Cause are hauntingly familiar in a maga sort of way
Dear Ken, Please forgive my crass remark: Perhaps you are just getting too old for heavy traffic and heinous b.s. on a long, southern trip. Wonder if you'll take another route next time! It's a snow-covered fairy land (for those not shoveling) this morning and is crispy cold up here in Queensbury, so enjoy the milder weather while you can.
Wanted to see Lookout Mountain Battlefield so that was really the only viable route. But I probably am too old.
You know I meant no offense, seriously!
Oh yeah. But it was the only route.
Born in Macon Georgia, in the Sixties I volunteered for James Farmer, founder of CORE, and leader of the Freedom Rides, while home on leave from the Navy. A few years before, 3 other volunteers for CORE in Mississippi were not so lucky. We now can tell the rednecks there's finally an African American worthy of being 'sent back to Africa': Elon Musk.
I sometimes wonder what the South would be like today if the Southern states had been allowed to secede. I am quite sure legal slavery would have eventually ended, as it did in the rest of the world. And maybe the former slaves would have assimilated without there being forced segregation and the subsequent need for forced integration.
A related story while visiting a museum March 2024 titled "War Between the States" located in a white clapboard house in a residential neighborhood in Florence, South Carolina . A lawn sign said "See Your Heritage! WAR BETWEEN THE STATES Museum". A grey-haired woman in her sixties greeted us from a small desk and asked for $4, explaining that she and her husband receive limited funds and needed donations to keep open. The entrance, cluttered with confederate memorabilia for sale, lead into a house filled with war artifacts - walls covered with photos of Confederate soldiers and sailors and government officials; fighting instruments such as firearms, cannons, swords, and armor; and personal items including uniforms.
As I walked through the rooms I strove to understand what I see as a war to free enslaved people others saw as a war to preserve the liberty and freedom of the South. A poster in what was once the dining room contained the headline The War for States’s Rights 1861 – 1865 with the quote in all caps “OUR MOTTO: SOUTHERN RIGHTS, EQUALITY OF THE STATES, DON’T TREAD ON ME.” This museum honors the memory of the veterans who fought for secession based on this principle. Life-size statues of soldiers carrying shotguns along-side confederate flags were prominent. This museum was founded in 1988 by sons of confederate veterans. Their story is centered on the belief that the Civil War was not about slavery but about states’ rights and defending the South from Northern aggression.
I have no problem with statues of confederate soldiers and confederate flags on battlegrounds of the civil war. But I do not believe those that took up arms or flags of those that took up arms against the United States of America should be honored — such as naming schools after them, or having statues in their honor erected in front of government buildings, or flying their flag on public buildings. At a battle field fine. What private citizens do is their business, but not on or in front of public buildings.
You see more than enough Confederate flags here in upstate NY. Must be all the "southern pride" a few miles from the Canadian border. The Confederate mentality is certainly alive and well there too.
I knew a student once who got a shiny new Confederate flag belt buckle, who asked me one day if it was a racist symbol. I guess someone had called him out on it. I explained that as a symbol of the Confederacy, which fought against the US for the right of those states to keep slaves, yes it is seen as a racist symbol. He said “I just thought it meant you’re a redneck.” If one learned history from watching The Dukes of Hazzard, I suppose that is what one would think!
Exactly!
Um, were you referring to the "War of Northern Aggression" that they are still fighting? Of course the war was good for the slaves, they had jobs!!! As I look at how Trump just got elected all I can think is here comes deja vu all over again.
After over 150 years, one would think they could move on. Remembering is one thing. Comparing Abraham Lincoln to Hitler is quite another. Often, I think secession is not a bad idea. I once knew a professional person whose family business was around before the Civil War and is still there. He referred, not jokingly, to the "War of Northern Aggression." The Confederacy is alive and well in the South.
I neglected to thank you and commend you on your telling of this story. Well done and remarkable.