Confederate Flag Day 2016 In Columbia, South Carolina

On Saturday, March 5th, Confederate descendants and Southern heritage proponents gathered across the Southland to honor Confederate Flag Day in honor of the 155th anniversary of the raising of the First Confederate National Flag over what was then the first Confederate States capitol in Montgomery, Alabama on March 4, 1861.  

Just over a hundred separate Confederate Flag Day events where held in every Southern State in the United States, as well as events in the Great Lakes States, several western US States and at various historical sites - including Gettysburg National Battlefield. Confederate descendants numbering in the tens of thousands nationwide took active part in honoring the Confederate flag. 

Now before I go on, I should point out something important. 

The Confederate flag in question being honored and largely flown over the weekend was not the seven star First Confederate National Flag "the Stars & Bars" that was originally flown on March 4, 1861, but rather the rectangular and square versions of the Dixie Cross (Southern Cross) battle flag Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and Second Confederate Naval Jack. 

The Stars & Bars - The Confederate First National Flag - flew over the North Carolina State Capitol
in an unofficial capacity in honor of Confederate Flag Day (March 4th).

I took part in the Confederate Flag Day march and demonstration in Columbia that day, along with close to 600 individuals. The event took place on a sunny and warm day with highs reaching in the lower 70s F. It was sponsored by the South Carolina Division Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCSCV).

I am very pleased to report that aside from a few small incidents where drivers gave us the one-fingered salute, there were no serious verbal attacks, or any confrontations of any kind. Most watching were curious and respectful of the proceedings. Indeed several individuals spoke to a few of us out of curiosity - including some students from the nearby University of South Carolina (USC). 

The following are photos that I took that day - except for the last one which was taken by a friend of mine from social media, Maeve Magdalen. 

Great shot of me and General Hampton, Maeve! Thank you!

This demonstration was done both out of respect for Confederate Flag Day, and as a reminded to those who would redefine - or otherwise misuse - the Dixie Cross (Confederate battle flag) or any other banner of our Confederate heritage as something that we as the living descendants of the Confederate soldier have declare otherwise that we are still here despite recent failed efforts to silence or intimidate us.

Or past ones for that matter. 

I was proud to be in Columbia that day standing with my fellow Confederate descendants from South Carolina, and in solidarity with tens of thousands across America who stood tall and told the world - without malice or hatred - that we are proud of who we are. We shall not surrender or sell out our Southern flag to racists and reactionaries. We are unafraid. We are unashamed. And we shall overcome hatred with love.

Deo Vindice! 

The Stars & Bars
First Confederate National Flag (1861 - 1863).

The Southern (Dixie) Cross 
2nd Confederate Naval Jack & Battle Flag
Confederate Army of Tennessee 1864.