TEXT OF SCV PRESS CONFERENCE
Ladies and Gentlemen:Permit me to introduce myself. I am Robert W. Barbour of Roanoke, Virginia, Commander of the Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The purpose for this press conference is to discuss the desecration and arson of the Robert E. Lee Mural on the Floodwall in downtown Richmond.
I call upon the City of Richmond to fully investigate this crime, apprehend the criminal, and prosecute this crime fully. This was not a simple arson or vandalism as I have seen stated by several Virginia politicians.Last year, the people of Richmond spoke loudly and clearly that the Robert E. Lee Mural be included on the Floodwall. A serious debate took place during the summer months and the City Council of Richmond by a 6-3 vote approved of the inclusion of this Mural. The issue was decided fairly, with all sides being given a say. This is what democracy is all about. The destruction of this Mural was an affront to the people of Richmond. This arson was nothing more than a crime of hatred towards Southerners and Confederate history.
I call on the Governor, General Assembly, the Mayor of the City of Richmond and the City Council of Richmond to denounce this crime for what it is, a crime of hate and not a simple act of vandalism. I further ask these same parties to denounce bigotry and hatred towards all legitimate groups, races anc creeds.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans hereby offers a reward of $1000 to be paid to the person who gives information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator of this act. I further challenge the City of Richmond and the Richmond Historic Riverfront Foundation to match our reward to help bring the criminal to justice.
I request the Richmond Historic Riverfront Foundation to immediately replace this Mural. The citizens of Richmond, black and white, have spoken loudly on this issue. It's replacement should not be a question. I remind everyone here that the Mural was approved by a clear majority on Richmond City Council by a 6-3 vote. Their choice should not be dishonored. Replacement of the Mural will send a loud message to anyone foolish enough to vandalize public property that this act will not be tolerated. In the future we request that other worthy Confederates be included on the Floodwall so Richmonders will know of their proud ancestors who contributed so much to American history. Men such as Jefferson Davis, Matthew Maury and JEB stuart are all worthy of inclusion since they were such a part of Richmond, Virginia and American history.
To avoid future acts such as this, I call on the Governor and General Assembly to fully promote and establish into law "Confederate History and Heritage Month". Only by educating our children will a true understanding of our history be reached. Robert E. Lee will be understood to be the icon that he is. People will understand that there were many causes which helped propel this nation into a war among brothers. And our children need to understand the devotion which their ancestors had in fighting a war against nearly hopeless odds to protect their families and homes from an invader bent on subjugating the states of the South. Without an adequate understanding of this most important era in American history, areas such as slave history will be incomplete. You cannot ignore our common hstory. They are one and the same.
Finally, I call upon the General Assembly to pursue an in-depth study to fully comprehend the value of Civil war sites, battlefields and museums in this state. This would include but not be limited to an understanding of the economic and tourism benefits to Virginia in direct relation to the Civil War sites and institutions located herein. Ways should be found to promote our Civil War tourism industry so that it's economic and job benefits can be felt by all Virginians. Battlefield preservation should be included in any study. A permanent Civil War Commission should be established bringing together all vital components.
Last year during the l999 Session of the General Assembly the Sons of Confederate Veterans asked the General Assembly to help us honour our ancestors by granting to us a specialized license plate bearing the 103 year old logo of our organization. We demonstrated even to our detractors that the Sons of Confederate Veterans was a bona fide civic organization and totally non-discriminatory. Speaking on our behalf was black member Nelson Winbush. Supporting our request was former Roanoke NAACP President and Associate member of my Camp, the late Reverend Charles Green. We showed our disgust for bigotry and hatred in any form, denouncing hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. In return, we were denied license plates with our logo, a clear violation of our Constitutional rights which is now being decided in the Roanoke Federal District Court. I feel the denial of our tag was due to fear, ignorance and prejudice. These are hard items to conquer but I put my faith in God that we will overcome even this someday and that all people's heritage will be honored and respected.
Thank you.
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