[VAcourier] Mayor says no to Confederate History Month - April 7, 2007

[Virginia Division SCV Communication List]

Mayor says no to Confederate History Month


    Linda Johnson's statement did not specify a reason for denying the
    request.

BY KATHRYN WALSON <mailto:kwalson at dailypress.com>
247-4535
 
April 7, 2007
 
 
SUFFOLK -- Mayor Linda Johnson has rejected a local group's request to 
declare April Confederate History Month in Suffolk.

In a written statement released Friday afternoon, Johnson said she 
respects the efforts of the Tom Smith Camp of the Sons of Confederate 
Veterans, which asked her to issue the proclamation.

"It is my goal to work towards unity of all Suffolkians ... of all 
heritages, faiths and ethnicities," her statement read. "All soldiers of 
all wars that have fought or died for their cause are to be honored and 
remembered. We do this on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and, hopefully, 
throughout our daily lives."

The release did not specifically say why Johnson rejected the group's 
request. She could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Jason Chipman, commander of the local group, said he was disappointed 
with Johnson's decision.

"The Confederate heritage and history in this city is so strong," he said.

Suffolk's chapter of Sons of Confederate Veterans has about 150 members, 
Chipman said. The national organization consists of male descendants of 
Confederate veterans who work to preserve the legacy of their ancestors, 
according to its Web site. Local members often attend heritage events in 
Confederate uniforms, Chipman said.

They talk to people about the Civil War and sell Confederate flags and 
other items representing the South to raise money for their group, he said.

People who think the organization has racist undertones are mistaken, he 
said.

Vice Mayor Curtis Milteer, who is black, granted the group's request to 
declare April Confederate History Month when he was mayor in 2002. 
Milteer said that while he is the great-grandson of slaves, his 
grandfather's uncle served in the Confederate Army.

"All the people of the city have the right to their heritage," he said.

Also, the city recently canceled its annual Civil War weekend. Suffolk 
officials cited financial reasons for backing out of the event, which 
traditionally is held in April.

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