REGARDING THE many recent let- ters debating the symbolism over the Confederate battle flag, both sides have shown a definite passion for their beliefs. Many have done wonderful research while providing readers with rare quotes in support of their argument. As a published Civil War author, I applaud their efforts and see the validity of their points. However, I would like to present another view.
Nobody has really focused on the fact that we all live in one of the most historically active areas of the Civil War. We are surrounded on all sides by major battlefields, museums, walking trails, and monuments. You cannot drive more than a mile on any road without passing one of those white National Park signs recalling an event of historical significance.
Almost every major participant in the Civil War (on both sides) walked on the same ground we do at one time or another. If not for the conflict, this would be just another town. But it's not.
Fredericksburg (despite the growing plague of urban sprawl) is ultimately a tourist town; people come here from all over the world to experience the War Between the States. I vacationed here repeatedly as a child in the '70s and '80s and can equate this place only to Gettysburg insofar as the number of wonderful attractions and expanse of hallowed grounds.
I vividly remember the battle flags from both sides adorning the doorways of the museums. The Confederate battle flag was especially prominent.
To many, this Southern banner simply represents their heritage. It is a testament to their ancestors who fought and died here in the name of a cause--whatever aspect of that cause they chose to support. To others, the flag represents the bondage of their ancestors who suffered the painful woes of slavery but were ultimately set free by the trampling of that flag. Both are absolutely right.
Still, part of preserving history is acknowledging your past. To try to ignore or remove those parts of history that offend some is a blatant act of dishonesty and disrespect. What example are we setting and what disservice are we doing to future generations by trying to erase our past? Why can't we just acknowledge that different people see different things in the "Star and Bars," and that that's OK?
Those of us who spend many hours studying the Civil War can cite countless sources, speeches, letters, and quotes that support both of these points of view, but my point is that the Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania-Stafford area is where much of this conflict took place. Many people living here are actual descendants of both soldiers and slaves, so why can we not embrace our history together and respect one another's right to remember these men and women as we each see fit?
I for one eagerly anticipate the proposed Slavery Museum, which some may find offensive for "spotlighting" slavery--the same charge others level against the Confederate battle flag. That doesn't mean the project should be cancelled.
If this were some town in the Midwest where no events of historical significance took place and nothing Civil War-related transpired, I would see no justifiable reason to fly the Rebel flag. However, we live in the backyard, so to speak, of this war; to expect residents to forget their past by removing a flag that is considered by some to be politically incorrect is wrong.
The Civil War was one of the most troubling times in American history, but it was also one of the most glorious as it eventually brought the country back together. America would not be the same today without it. The Confederate battle flag is a symbol from this event, and symbols mean many different things to many different people. When I look at the flag, I see an important moment in our country's history for both black and white Americans.
Most importantly, I recognize it as a part of our own local history. I think I have the right--the obligation--to preserve that for future generations.
MICHAEL AUBRECHT of Spotsylvania County is the author of "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall" and "Christian Cavalier: The Legacy of J.E.B. Stuart."