Take Action to Relocate the Confederate Monument in Lebanon, Virginia
Take Action to Relocate the Confederate Monument in Lebanon, Virginia
The Issue
To the Citizens of Lebanon,
Each of us remember specific words of advice that define us and shape us into the people we are today. For many of us who are graduates of Lebanon High School, Mrs. Sharon Clevinger was the messenger of one such lesson: “Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone.” It is because of that lesson we now have the courage to act and show our support for what needs to be done.
On July 13th, at the most recent Town Council meeting, citizens spoke both for and against removal of the Confederate Monument that sits in the heart of our town. This monument has the same history as other monuments found throughout the Southern United States. Erected in 1914, nearly a half-century after the Civil War, this monument was meant as a warning to those who would want more for their fellow man. It was a show of power and dominance, further alienating those affected by the passage of the Jim Crow laws.
The monument bears the markings ‘1861-1865 CSA’ (Confederate States of America). There have been attempts to rebrand the monument as a WWI and WWII memorial, but you can not change history, nor can you change the markings present on the monument itself. This is a Confederate Monument and it is time to take a stand against these symbols of vitriol and hate. It is time to join the other cities and towns across the nation. It is time to do what is right.
It is our most sacred right as Americans to have our voices heard. One lone individual stood up to make sure our voices were being heard. He calmly and eloquently advocated for the relocation of this monument. He was met with jeers, taunts, and threats for his efforts and now we say: you no longer stand alone. Our town is a place that welcomes all people regardless of race, creed, sexuality, or religion. We cannot look toward the future when a symbol of hate stands so prominently in the center of our town. We support the relocation of this monument to a location which would better preserve its historical value.
Stand up for what is right ESPECIALLY if you are standing alone.
Sincerely,
Select graduates of Lebanon High School
The Issue
To the Citizens of Lebanon,
Each of us remember specific words of advice that define us and shape us into the people we are today. For many of us who are graduates of Lebanon High School, Mrs. Sharon Clevinger was the messenger of one such lesson: “Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone.” It is because of that lesson we now have the courage to act and show our support for what needs to be done.
On July 13th, at the most recent Town Council meeting, citizens spoke both for and against removal of the Confederate Monument that sits in the heart of our town. This monument has the same history as other monuments found throughout the Southern United States. Erected in 1914, nearly a half-century after the Civil War, this monument was meant as a warning to those who would want more for their fellow man. It was a show of power and dominance, further alienating those affected by the passage of the Jim Crow laws.
The monument bears the markings ‘1861-1865 CSA’ (Confederate States of America). There have been attempts to rebrand the monument as a WWI and WWII memorial, but you can not change history, nor can you change the markings present on the monument itself. This is a Confederate Monument and it is time to take a stand against these symbols of vitriol and hate. It is time to join the other cities and towns across the nation. It is time to do what is right.
It is our most sacred right as Americans to have our voices heard. One lone individual stood up to make sure our voices were being heard. He calmly and eloquently advocated for the relocation of this monument. He was met with jeers, taunts, and threats for his efforts and now we say: you no longer stand alone. Our town is a place that welcomes all people regardless of race, creed, sexuality, or religion. We cannot look toward the future when a symbol of hate stands so prominently in the center of our town. We support the relocation of this monument to a location which would better preserve its historical value.
Stand up for what is right ESPECIALLY if you are standing alone.
Sincerely,
Select graduates of Lebanon High School
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Petition created on July 16, 2020