HPA PRESS RELEASE ON CONFEDERATE HISTORY AND HERITAGE MONTH
Heritage Preservation Association of Virginia
2700 N. Nansemond Drive
Suffolk, Virginia 23435-1522
Telephone: (757)-478-9186
Email - vahpa@att.netFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2002
The leadership of the Heritage Preservation Association (HPA), Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), and United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) met with Governor Mark R. Warner on Thursday afternoon in an effort to bring about a better understanding of Confederate-related issues, and formally request an April Confederate History and Heritage Month Proclamation.
While Warner declined in the meeting to issue a proclamation designating April as Confederate History & Heritage Month in Virginia, those representing the Southern movement explained later in a press conference that their dialogue with the Governor was a step in the right direction.
"While we are certainly disappointed in the Governor's decision, we are not discouraged by it," said Fred D. Taylor, Virginia State President of the HPA. "Today's meeting opened up a dialogue which has not existed in the past, and we feel Governor Warner and his administration better understand our issue." Further, the HPA of Virginia hopes that Thursday's meeting was a sign of a continued dialogue and respect which will exist between the Governor and Southern heritage groups for years to come.
With the progress made by Thursday's meeting in sight, the Heritage Preservation Association of Virginia and Sons of Confederate Veterans promised that they would continue their efforts to see Confederate History Month formally recognized by the state, and were eager for the many opportunities they would have to promote Southern heritage in April and throughout the year. "We look very much forward to sharing our rich culture and heritage with Virginians this year in an effort to bring people together, and encourage pride in being from the South," said Taylor.
Asked about the future, Taylor responded, "We may not have an official proclamation from the state this year, but April will always be Confederate History Month." The HPA of Virginia says that it has plans for memorial services, ceremonies, educational opportunities, and other events during April to celebrate Confederate History & Heritage Month across the state.
Representing the HPA at Thursday's meeting with the Governor were Fred D. Taylor of Suffolk, the Virginia State President, and Tony L. Lundy of Danville, HPA of Virginia Political Director. Other representatives of the Southern community included Henry Kidd, Commander of the Virginia Division, SCV; Brag Bowling, Lt. Commander of the Virginia Division, SCV; the Honorable Ben "Cooter" Jones, former Georgia Congressman and candidate for the 7th Virginia Congressional District; Mr. Pat M. McSweeney, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia; Dr. Wilson Shannon, Pastor of First Baptist Church-Centralia, Richmond; Mrs. John Lougheed, President of the Virginia Division, UDC; and Mrs. Betty Giragosian of the Virginia UDC.
The HPA of Virginia is a state branch of the national Heritage Preservation Association based in Atlanta, Georgia. The HPA is a nonprofit, 501(c) 4, national-membership organization that utilizes educational resources, along with political and legal action, to protect Southern symbols, Southern history, and Southern culture. With branches currently operating in numerous states, HPA is the oldest civil rights organization that specializes in Southern heritage. Since 1993, the HPA has been involved in hundreds of battles to prevent the censorship or suppression of songs, symbols, art, and culture. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.hpa.org/ or contact the HPA of Virginia Office at (757)-478-9186.
Return to Warner Nixes Confederate History Month