SLRC, GEORGIA SCV HAMMER OUT RINGGOLD STRATEGY
RINGGOLD, GA – SLRC Chief Trial Counsel Kirk D. Lyons held a weekend strategy session with members of the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans regarding the next steps to be taken in compelling the Town of Ringgold to replace the Confederate Battle Flag it removed two years ago from the Historic Ringgold Depot memorial site.“We’ve arrived at an overall game plan that we have every confidence will be successful,’ Lyons said, “but it’s going to require careful coordination and maximum security. That’s why, for the time bring, we’re not letting the general public know our plans. I can say this – it’s going to be a real team effort.”The Ringgold town council removed the flag in March of 2005, following objections to its presence by the local NAACP. Members of the local SCV camp argued for its restoration, citing Georgia statutes prohibiting interference with a memorial display, but were rebuffed by the Council’s attorney. The town then substituted a blue Hardee-pattern corps flag for the battle flag which it claimed was historically correct because it was the unit flag of Confederate forces who fought at the Battle of Ringgold Gap (November 27, 1863). SCV members countered that the Battle Flag, as a soldiers’ and later a veterans’ flag, was the appropriate flag, as the display was intended to honor all Confederates who left for all theaters of the war from Ringgold Depot, and not just those involved in the action there. The matter remained in limbo until April of this year, when the Georgia Division of the SCV retained the SLRC to pursue the matter.“Our plan should be well under way within the month,” Lyons said.~~~~If you have a stake in Southern heritage and culture, and are looking for a meaningful way to honor and protect them, please give generously to the Southern Legal Resource Center. With your help we can continue our aggressive efforts to secure the rights of all Southerners to express pride in their regional identity without fear of ridicule or reprisal, as should be the case for all Americans.The Southern Legal Resource Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and contributions to it are fully tax deductible. Credit card and PayPal donations may be made at our website by clicking on “How You Can Help.” Checks payable to the Southern Legal Resource Center should be mailed to P.O. Box 1235, Black Mountain, NC 28711. “Thumbs Up for Dixie” stickers are available for SLRC and local heritage fundraising projects. Contact the SLRC for details at (828) 669-5189 or mim@slrc-csa.org.
