ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, July 23, 1996 TAG: 9607230039
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BEN KRAMER
IT DISTURBED me to read about the protesters of Arthur Ashe's monument (July 11 Associated Press article, ``Ashe monument unveiled despite protests''), which was presented to Richmond recently. The protesters didn't want the monument erected because they felt it didn't belong in the hallowed avenue of Confederate heroes. Having learned a little of Gen. Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and other Confederate heroes, and also of Ashe, I don't believe the Confederate gentlemen would dismiss the presence of the great tennis hero from their hallowed ground.
All the great Confederate leaders had to be brave enough to take a stand for what they felt was right at the time, even when their ideas weren't what seemed to be the most popular ones of the entire nation. Lee had to do much soul-searching about which side he was to fight for before the Civil War began. Confederate soldiers fought Union soldiers, despite the fact that they knew their Union brothers were probably better supplied than they were.
Ashe wasn't allowed to play tennis on the for-white-only courts when he was learning the game. He found ways to continue to work on his game and astounded the world when he won at Wimbledon. He had to have special convictions to accomplish this feat.
Some convictions lead to success, others to failure. But if they're strong enough, they're felt by many - even after many years. We should be proud that our nation provided these men the opportunity to have their ideas and attempt to follow what they thought was right for themselves. It led to their greatness.
I can imagine what they must be saying in paradise:
``Hey, Lee, have you seen the new neighbor with the tennis racket next door?''
``Of course, Jackson! He has some backhand, doesn't he?''
``Welcome to the neighborhood, Ashe. We've seen how you brought honor to our commonwealth! Many pepole look up to you and our land. Come, let's hear how you won that tournament in England.''
Welcome to the neighborhood, Ashe. I, for one, am glad that he has a place among our commonwealth's most well-known heroes. Gentlemen, may you all continue to inspire the present and future citizens of our Virginia.
Ben Kramer of Pulaski is activities counselor at New River Community College.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB