The recent actions at Gettysburg College, of the self professed artist Sims, have impacted the hearts, minds and souls of thousands of Southerners. His hate action, carried out under the guise of "art and free speech" have only galvanized those of us who remain proud and true to the Charge given us by Gen. S.D. Lee so very many years ago. Sim's lynching of a Confederate symbol, has also acted as a catalyst to bond various other organizations in a manner this writer has not previously witnessed. I think it safe to say that Sim's display of hate and desecration on the hallowed ground of Gettysburg, have turned the stomach of many an American; North, South, East, and West alike.
For well over one hundred years, the perpetuation of the lie that the "South Lost" and thus Southerners themselves must be losers has been played on the open stage of this country. Equally inappropriate has been the falsehood that we as Southrons keep the War Between the States alive. In truth, it is not us who do so. It is the actions of those like Sims, who continue to pick the scab ,thus preventing wounds 140 years in age from healing over. I have always found it most remarkable, that the actual veterans of that horrible war, were able to shake hands, make peace, and pray with each other, in reunion there at Gettysburg. I would ask you to just look at what Sim's so called art has done to the memory of all who fought and fell, not only at Gettysburg, but on every battlefield and skirmish site of the entire war. His actions have spat and shat upon the memory of all who participated in that war; not just Southerners.
If you have any doubts as to what I say regarding this travesty affecting more than Southerners, I would suggest you contact those in leadership capacities in the SUVCW. I believe it will be made most clear to anyone in doubt, that the descendants of those who fought in the Federal forces are equally appalled and sickened by the act of "mental terrorism" that the "artist" Sims carried out with his "lynching of our flag". It is my belief that when the "art work" ( I use the term most loosely) was unveiled the bodies of all who lay in interment at Gettysburg rolled over in their graves. It was indeed a most sad day in America.
In following with the request of SCV National, and with the approval of Commander Sam Lyons, the officers and men of the Captain James Knox camp 2022 here do ask that all reading this, join with us and stand shoulder to shoulder in a united front, to do all that is legal and right, to show Gettysburg College that we will not tolerate, nor nere forget the hate attack Sims and Gettysburg College directed at the memory of our ancestors and the symbols they fought and died under. We as descendants of WBTS veterans, must continue to make this known to the administration, faculty, and alumni of Gettysburg College. It should also be made clear to the Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce that their actions of not doing more to stop the "lynching" reflects most poorly upon their organization as well. There are many in our midst who will never spend another hard earned dollar in the Gettysburg area. To those skeptics who say that Southerners and those sympathetic to the South, have no real power, I would suggest they review the most recent trend in downwards sales of Coca Cola, which clearly demonstrate "that if you spit on a Southerner there will be consequences at hand."
It is our duty to enlighten the rest of the world to the fact that on September 3, 2004 an act of "Hate and Desecration" directed at Southern Americans occurred on the campus of Gettysburg College with the full consent of the administration and board of said college.
Let us do our ancestors honor! We should hold our heads high as a people proud of our individualities, and morals. Let us make most clear that the acts such as the one which occured September 3, 2004 will not be tolerated nor forgotten. This is a fight we can win, if we hold our ranks strong and united. We have the numbers and resources at our disposal.
We can not change the past, including the most tragic events of September 3, 2004. We can however, make it most clear to the world that watches, that we are a honorable group of human beings, with high morals not foul mouthed and hate filled. We must make it most clear that we shall never just roll over and play dead under the one sided sword of Political Correctness which cuts a swath into the hearts and souls of countless numbers all the while it protects the freedom and liberties of another group, all in the name of "Not Offending". The members of the Knox camp 2022 GA Div. SCV have been offended, we shall not forget, we shall not tuck our tails and let this pass unaddressed. We would ask that you join with us. We can make a statement, and our voices can be heard.
For the Honor and Glory of all our ancestors, I would ask that you continue to voice your opinions as to the college's actions and their support for the act of hate of September 3rd, 2004. Let it ring out from every city, town, village, hill, mountain, and plain, that actions such as those which were endorsed by Gettysburg College are inexcusable and can only provide a negative outcome in the long run. Let us send a clear signal in advance to any other institution that might contemplate such a hideous display of hate, that such behavior is unacceptable.
In memory, and in honor of all who fought and fell 1861-65,
T. Warren,
Heritage Officer
Captain James Knox" camp #2022 GA. SCV
http://www.gettysburg.edu/homepage/contact/contact.html
kbranchi@gettysburg.edu (college)
info@gettysburg-chamber.org (CofC)
jsims@ringling.edu (the artist of Hate)
Gettysburg College
300 North Washington Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
General: 717-337-6000
Fax: 717-337-6666
TTD: 717-337-6833
Gettysburg College
300 North Washington Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
General: 717-337-6000
Fax: 717-337-6666
TTD: 717-337-6833
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