THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 10, 1997 TAG: 9702080010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 31 lines
An article in the Jan. 21 Metro section said that Paul Gillis, president of the Virginia NAACP, would propose legislation to have Martin L. King Jr.'s birthday observed and not include two great men who were also born on that date.
I was appalled that the NAACP would have enough resentment to suggest that. The day observed is Mr. King's birthday as well as the birthday of two Confederate war heroes, Robert E. Lee and Andrew ``Stonewall'' Jackson. These two men fought for what they believed in at that period of their lives, the same as Mr. King did during his time. This whole situation struck me as contradicting what we are taught - ``Love thy neighbor,'' whether he's black or white.
King, Jackson and Lee were all born on the same day, and that is how it should be celebrated.
In 1984 we all agreed that three men should share the same day and, for 10 years, they have. Mr. Lee and Mr. Jackson were born before Mr. King, fought for this country and helped shape this nation, way before Mr. King's parents were even born. All three fought for education and causes they believed in.
If the NAACP has a problem with honoring three great men on one day because of ethnic background and/or beliefs, then something is truly wrong with our society.
KELLY HOPKINS
Chesapeake, Jan. 21, 1997