Citizens of Pitt County, North Carolina,

Currently, there is a petition circulating to REMOVE the "Our Confederate Dead" monument in Greenville, NC.  This monument was erected on the grounds of the Pitt County Courthouse in 1914 - 106 Years Ago - to remember the great sacrifices of our local Confederate soldiers.  Many died to protect their families, their farms, and their way of life.  Without their bravery and sacrifice against Lincoln's Union Army's "scorched earth" raids via Sherman's March to the Sea, eastern North Carolina may have looked vastly different today.  I firmly believe this monument should continue to stand as a historical marker in our county.

Those opposed to the preservation of this monument would have the public believe that these soldiers died protecting the right to own slaves in the South.  This is simply not true.  The vast majority of Confederate soldiers were simple farmers, shopkeepers and ordinary citizens . . . not slave owners.  Those opposed would also have you believe the reason for the monument's erection was to intimidate the black community.  Whether or not you believe these things is up to your own personal convictions.

Being a history buff and a follower of Civil War information, my belief is that the "Our Confederate Dead" monument is a humble sign of pride from a grateful people who appreciate the great sacrifices of our Confederate soldiers and think history is a true reflection of the evolution of our nation.

Please do your part to preserve our rich Southern history and heritage by signing this petition and sending the link to friends and family.  Thank You so much for your participation.

Jerry W. McRoy
Winterville, NC