LEESBURG, Va. – A statue of a Confederate soldier that has stood in front of the historic courthouse in Loudoun County since 1908 is now being called inappropriate and a local lawyer says it should be removed.
The statue was erected to honor the war dead at a time when many Civil war veterans were still alive.
The statue shows a Confederate soldier standing guard with his rifle ready.
An inscription, carved into the stone monument, says, “In memory of the Confederate Soldiers of Loudoun County, Va. Erected May 28, 1908.”
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The Leesburg Courthouse, December 2011–The fight continues
Every year someone has to push the envelope in Leesburg. Loudoun County has gone back and forth about displays on the courthouse lawn. Presently, residents can apply to set up a display on the courthouse lawn, in the interest ofthe first amendment. This is what you get:
I am very much a ‘separation of church and state person,’ and every year someone reaffirms my belief at Leesburg Courthouse. If people kept their display at their church or on their own lawns, things like this would not happen in the public venue. I am also a first amendment person.
I find the crucified Santa to be offensive. However, that’s what you get when you open up the public square for expressions during this time of year. Most people stick to tasteful displays. Then there is always the guy who doesn’t and who ruins it for everyone. And that guy has as much right to his point of view as I do.
There are plenty of folks who would also have a hissy fit over a winter solstice display or a Chanukah display. They want to keep it Christian to the exclusion of other faiths who also have religious celebrations this time of year.
I wish Loudoun County would stick to putting up some municipal wreaths and red bows or have a seasonal tree with lights and be done with it. But I live in Prince William and I doubt if Loudoun really gives a rat’s ass about my opinion. Sigh.
