In response to a news story regarding the Confederate Flag flown at a private residence in Summerville, SC, the following statement has been prepared for public release from the Commander, South Carolina Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans:
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is a historical, benevolent, patriotic and nonpolitical organization committed to preserving the history and legacy of the American Confederate soldier who served from 1861 – 1865.
Furthermore, the SCV supports the right of free speech for all Americans in accordance with the United States Constitution, including the right to display symbols of culture and heritage embraced by its citizenry provided there is no violation of any State or local laws.
As to the confederate flag and other symbols of Southern Heritage, we believe behavior that fails to exemplify the principles of tolerance and respect is unacceptable. Therefore we encourage all Americans to study their history to understand the motives that eventually brought about secession and the War for Southern Independence.
Finally, it is our shared hope that all Americans, regardless of culture, race, religion or ethnic origin, appreciate and respect differing views thus striving for better understanding and tolerance within our communities. We believe that all people are worthy of respect and we celebrate the diversity that exists among peoples of these United States of America.
Mark A. Simpson, Commander
South Carolina Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
HP: 864-576-4561
Office: 864-576-1224
Mobile: 864-680-2514
Description: "Street banner in Charleston, before the Civil War began."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895
Source: E. Benjamin Andrews, History of the United States from the Earliest Discovery of America to the Present Day, Volume III (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1895)III:310.....Image copyrighted - used by permisssion (University of South Florida) http://etc.usf.edu/clipart
