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Confederate Flag Supporters Gather At Peace Light

By Leon Reed · Originally published May 2016 · p. 5

The small organized group of protesters were led by Scott Hancock, a Gettysburg College professor who is standing in the center holding a sign comparing the Confederate flag to a Nazi swastika.
The small organized group of protesters were led by Scott Hancock, a Gettysburg College professor who is standing in the center holding a sign comparing the Confederate flag to a Nazi swastika.

GETTYSBURG, PA.—Nearly 500 Confederate flag supporters gathered on Saturday March 5th at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial in Gettysburg to show their support for the Confederate flag. The rally was part of a nationwide series of rallies sponsored by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. This event was organized with the help from the members of the J.W. Culp SCV Camp. Sculptor Gary Casteel (who did the Longstreet statue in the park) organized the event on short notice, and the main speaker was Mike Landree, the executive director of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. A group of about 50 protesters, organized by a Gettysburg College professor, was confined behind a fence about 100 yards from the rally. They made their presence known by shouting through a megaphone, frequently drowning out the speakers with occasionally obscene messages. Many of the participants in the rally grumbled, but there were no confrontations during the rally. A small contingent of NPS rangers kept the groups separated and the Cumberland Township police remained in the background. There were a few individual confrontations as the flag rally was breaking up.

The organizers were pleased with the event. Casteel said “I think it went beautifully. We had no idea what to expect.” Landree agreed that “I can’t think of a better location than the Peace Memorial.” James McKee from nearby Hanover was there to honor a great grandfather who fought in the war. “I don’t think people should be persecuted for supporting the flag. Especially if you had an ancestor, you should be able to honor your heritage.” Stephen Davidson, who wore a Confederate uniform and is planning to join the 5th Texas, agreed that the rally was a positive event. “I think you need to support what you believe in no matter what people think. It’s not about hate; it’s about history. I think this is a great way to promote our heritage.” Victoria Chadwick, who was also in period costume along with her mother, Deborah, and her daughters, Anastasia and Scarlett, also enjoyed the day. But she did not enjoy having the protesters yell that she was teaching her children to hate at a young age. Casteel said it wasn’t certain whether this would become an annual event. “That’s up to the SCV board. But based on how well this one went, I sure hope so.”

Confederate flags adorn the field in front of the Eternal Peace Monument on the Gettysburg National Military Park. Unlike the protesters, this heritage group maintained a friendly presence during the event.
Confederate flags adorn the field in front of the Eternal Peace Monument on the Gettysburg National Military Park. Unlike the protesters, this heritage group maintained a friendly presence during the event.
Sculptor Gary Casteel, who organized the event, was interviewed by
Sculptor Gary Casteel, who organized the event, was interviewed by
Confederate flag supporters braved the dreary weather and inconsiderate protesters to listen to the speakers. They were there to honor Confederate history, their ancestors and, unlike what the misinformed protesters thought, were not there to honor slavery or endorse hate.
Confederate flag supporters braved the dreary weather and inconsiderate protesters to listen to the speakers. They were there to honor Confederate history, their ancestors and, unlike what the misinformed protesters thought, were not there to honor slavery or endorse hate.

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