We are deeply dismayed that U.S. Route 1 is still designated "Jefferson Davis Highway" in Virginia, thereby honoring a man who waged war against the United States. The Virginia General Assembly can right this wrong by renaming the highway.

Jefferson Davis, who was from Kentucky, betrayed America to defend slavery, but many Virginians have died defending America and freedom. From their hallowed ranks, the state legislature could find a much more appropriate honoree.

Jefferson Davis is a part of our national history, but we shouldn’t celebrate him. In fact, his legacy offends millions of Americans. We urge the General Assembly to remove his name from U.S. Route 1. It can set an example for the rest of the state, and the country, by taking this meaningful step.