THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 18, 1994 TAG: 9409160017
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Larry Maddry's recent article concerning the Confederate flag completely offended me and my family. To us this beautiful revered flag has always meant a true symbol of the South, not a symbol of slavery, as he stated. We proudly fly this flag at our beach cottage as a way of, and I quote from said article, ``preservin owah suth-run hur-itage.''
I was particularly offended by his thinking since my Great Grandfather, Confederate Major Joseph Ezra Gillette of Southampton County proudly fought and died under this hallowed flag.
I completely agree with his statement that ``times have changed.'' However, our Southern heritage hasn't changed. History cannot be changed, except through liberal thinking and brainwashed teachings. His use of the word ``manners'' has no precedence over history and the true meaning of the Confederate flag.
I invite Mr. Maddry to visit the cemetery in whidh Major Gillette was laid to rest just west of Franklin, and to stop and read the state highway marker commemorating his valor in service to our beloved Southern state and our never to be reviled Confederate flag.
FRANCES D. WHITE
Norfolk, Sept. 13, 1994 by CNB