VIRGINIA DIVISION SCV STATEMENT ON CONFEDERATE HISTORY MONTH

Ladies, Gentlemen,

The Virginia Division SCV, UDC and HPA met with Governor Warner today to discuss our heritage and Confederate History and Heritage Month. As expected, the Governor will not be signing a proclamation for April as we requested. However, he has agreed to continue to meet with us to discuss other Confederate related issues. The Governor was honest and up-front with us. Unlike Gilmore, he was man enough to tell us face to face that he would not be signing the proclamation. We impressed him as honest Virginia citizens who want to take back our heritage from hate racist groups who have dishonored our beloved flags and symbols and used them for their own political agendas. If we gained nothing else, we did gain his respect. I do not believe that we will hear any more talk from his office that our heritage and holidays are divisive. I believe Governor Warner was impressed with our sincere desire to build bridges with those who have traditionally attacked us in order to stop these attacks and dispel the myths and stereo types surrounding our honoring our ancestors.

Governor Warner asked that we judge him by his actions over the next few months and years. He did not specify what he was going to do, but he left me with the feeling that we would not be displeased. I will hold my judgment and keep close watch on his activities.

Yes I am disappointed but I am also encouraged. I will let all of you know when we will meet with Governor Warner again. Until then, we will celebrate April as Confederate History and Heritage Month. I encourage all of you to continue gaining local support for Confederate History and Heritage Month.

Finally, we must continue to remind Governor Warner that we want him to sign a proclamation. Please be polite, but be firm. Call write or email him and tell him that you want him to give us the same treatment as others and sign our proclamation.

I want to thank those who took their time to attend the meeting today.

God Save the South,
Commander Henry E. Kidd
Virginia Division, SCV

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