We, the undersigned, love the Washington County Fair and wish to see its continued success for years to come. We believe, however, that the Board of Directors of the Washington County fair should reverse their decision to allow the sale and display of items many fairgoers find frightening, intimidating and racist, specifically: the display and sale of the Confederate Army and States flag.  It makes many people feel unwelcome in a space that should be welcoming to all. We acknowledge that free speech is an important value but that The Fair, as it should represent and welcome all its visitors and participants, should not be sending a message that threatens or makes visitors and participants feel unwelcome or unsafe. We know our history and recognize that the Confederate Flag or, more accurately, the Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, has been adopted by many groups some of whom see it as a historical artifact.  We also understand that there are many more meanings for The Flag and the vast majority of them are racist and are symbols of violence and oppression towards our friends and neighbors of African descent, Jewish heritage or Catholic Beliefs.