Many past governors have avoided this topic. Governor McDonnell has issued a proclamation that April is Confederate History Month in Virginia. Here is the proclamation that is posted on the Governor’s website:
“It is important for all Virginians to reflect upon our commonwealth’s shared history, to understand the sacrifices of the Confederate leaders, soldiers and citizens during the period of the Civil War, and to recognize how our history has led to our present.“
The action states that “this defining chapter in Virginia’s history should not be forgotten, but instead should be studied, understood and remembered by all Virginians, both in the context of the time in which it took place, but also in the context of the time in which we live, and this study and remembrance takes on particular importance as the commonwealth prepares to welcome the nation and the world to visit Virginia for the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Civil War, a four-year period in which the exploration of our history can benefit all.“
McDonnell’s proclamation heralds an upcoming anniversary April 17, 1861 which is the anniversary date that Virginia seceded from the union. McDonnell has issued about a dozen proclamations since taking office.
Perhaps it would have been more sensitive in 2010 for Governor McDonnell to have proclaimed April to be Civil War History month. Many young men lie buried here in Virginia who fought for the Union. 150 years later seems a long enough time to have divisive issues like north and south as part of our current dialogue.
Before anyone races over for the attack, let me state that I am currently looking at my picture of Robert E. Lee in my living room. I have had 2 dogs named for Stonewall Jackson, and my great-great grandfather was a Confederate soldier. Those are personal things that affect my family. I am free to honor our past heroes in any way I choose, from placing their likeness on my desk to naming my dogs after them. That isn’t the point. The point is, this is 2010 in Virginia. Sure, Virginia seceded and was a Confederate state. But, they had to fight someone didn’t they? One cannot study Confederate History without studying Civil War history.
The Civil War is still, even after 150 years, a very contentious subject. People are sensitive. The governor needs to be inclusive if he is going to tackle this subject for the sake of history. If there are other points to be made, perhaps they shouldn’t be and he should be more careful of the advice he is receiving.
UPDATE: The governor has issued an apology for an omission that mentions slavery. New Proclamation link
