Much has been said lately about the Confederate battle flag and Southern heritage in letters to the editor.

Historians know that the secession of Southern states was more complex than generally known. One could look at the location of the greater majority of the war’s battles and understand that the Southerner was defending his homeland. I believe until this point in history each state was a voluntary participant in the union called the United States.

The battle flag of the Confederacy is misused by people and groups, but this isn’t exclusive to the battle flag. The Christian flag and the U.S. flag have been used by hate groups.

The Sons of the Confederate Veterans is an international organization that lays claim as the true inheritors of the legacy and symbols of the Confederacy and has taken an official stand against the misuse of the Confederate battle flag by hate groups.

Recently, in Kentucky, a Ku Klux Klansman was arrested for, among other things, dealing drugs. His body was covered in tattoos with the battle flag, and he had hoisted battle flags on his property. The media, of course, had a field day with this. Members of the SCV found out the date of arraignment, went through all the proper channels, and a contingent of members protested carrying signs like “We are not the Klan” and “Don’t deface our flag.”

A local black minister stated that he supported the rights of flag bearers to march and welcomed the help of anyone who helped oppose the Klan.

Everyone’s heritage can be called into question if probed enough. Everybody has a right to be proud of their heritage. I don’t expect all “to get” my heritage, but I do expect the same tolerance and respect I show theirs.

Chris Laton

West End