Just about thirty minutes ago I was listening to a local news cast – the topic: changing the names of streets and buildings that use names of confederate persons. The leader of a well-known group was being interviewed, he said this about changing the names….”….we’ve got to correct history.” Well, my friend, we cannot ‘correct’ history; we can only begin to change the future. What is history is just that. While I can understand that the Confederate battle flag turned into more of a negative symbol than its original intention, I am glad it is not being displayed to create further negative feelings. I do, however, take issue with changing names of schools and such with, specifically, the name of Robert E. Lee. And, I take issue with some that have compared him to Hitler. In no way should that have ever occurred! Acquaint yourself with history, people!
Robert Edward Lee was a West Point graduate, a superintendent of West Point for three years, and a lieutenant colonel of the 2d Calvary for the Union, stationed in Texas, until the secession of Virginia and the Civil War. He had no sympathy with secession or slavery – he loved the Union. But, it was his tradition and his loyalty to Virginia that came first. He did resign from the Union army because he didn’t want to fight against Virginia – before that, he was offered the field command for the Union Forces, which he declined. Later, of course, he became a general in the Confederate Army. His men loved him. He was kind, gentle, courtly and an excellent military leader. He was, in my opinion, subjected to forces of things beyond his control. After the war, he became president of Washington College. He was a great man!
My heritage is from the north, I was born in Pennsylvania. But, I recognize a great person and I honor his memory. It is appropriate for schools to be named for such a dignitary. Did you know that he was married to a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington? She was Mary Anne Randolph Custis Lee – the land deeded to her, is now part of Arlington National Cemetery. The Lee house, in which she and Robert lived, now sits on the site of one of our greatest national monuments. So, please before you go off comparing Lee to Hitler, get your facts. It is a most despicable comparison and definitely unfounded. If you want to change the future, know your correct history.
Robert Edward Lee was a West Point graduate, a superintendent of West Point for three years, and a lieutenant colonel of the 2d Calvary for the Union, stationed in Texas, until the secession of Virginia and the Civil War. He had no sympathy with secession or slavery – he loved the Union. But, it was his tradition and his loyalty to Virginia that came first. He did resign from the Union army because he didn’t want to fight against Virginia – before that, he was offered the field command for the Union Forces, which he declined. Later, of course, he became a general in the Confederate Army. His men loved him. He was kind, gentle, courtly and an excellent military leader. He was, in my opinion, subjected to forces of things beyond his control. After the war, he became president of Washington College. He was a great man!
My heritage is from the north, I was born in Pennsylvania. But, I recognize a great person and I honor his memory. It is appropriate for schools to be named for such a dignitary. Did you know that he was married to a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington? She was Mary Anne Randolph Custis Lee – the land deeded to her, is now part of Arlington National Cemetery. The Lee house, in which she and Robert lived, now sits on the site of one of our greatest national monuments. So, please before you go off comparing Lee to Hitler, get your facts. It is a most despicable comparison and definitely unfounded. If you want to change the future, know your correct history.
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