By The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher
Religion Columnist

Several readers thoughtfully responded to my column concerning the issue of the Georgia flag. In that column several weeks ago, I gave support to taking the Confederate emblem out of the state flag. Even a pastor friend took the time to write a respectful rebuke. One reader wrote me and said he grieved for the memory of my grandfather who fought for the South. Some responses were from Sons of the Confederacy. They even invited me to one of their meetings. Now, I want to share my heart.

I realize larger issues confront Georgia than the flag. The African-American community surely is more concerned about economic progress and crime than they are about the flag. Our state governors over the years have been governors of all the people—with the state flag always standing tall in their office. All five of my sisters and I are rightly proud of our grandfather. One sister sought and received membership into the Daughters of the Confederacy. She gave me all her authentication documents that I might apply for the Sons of the Confederacy. Maybe I have already eliminated my chances.

When I go to Stone Mountain to see the laser show and hear Elvis Presley sing “Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory” as Generals Lee, Jackson, and President Davis are outlined in laser light, tears fall every time. I do not believe anyone can adequately understand what our ancestors went through. The Civil War rung with more pathos than any war in our history. Brother fighting brother. Men and women fighting for a cause, for which they laid down their lives. Nevertheless, let me offer a point of comparison.

Many of us—even those of us who are Vietnam era veterans —came to differ greatly about the Vietnam War that took 55,000 U.S. lives. Still, in no way did or does our distaste for the war and reasons behind it disparage the courage, commitment, and cost of the men and women who fought in Vietnam. It took us too long to hail the soldiers of Vietnam—living and dead. In reality, in their hearts they fought for freedom. Their sacrifices could have very played a huge part in the collapse of the Berlin Wall and subsequently Communist Russia.

So, to my brothers who keep alive the sacrifice and memory of our Confederate dead, thank you. This dialog has caused me to repent of my own negligence of Confederate Memorial Day. We all should be more grateful for those who gave their last ounce of devotion.

Another thing. As a churchman I should be more concerned about taking racism out of the church than the Confederate emblem out of the flag. The church has “miles and miles to go before we sleep” on the matter of desegregating the most segregated hour of the week. Black churches as well as white churches. To this end, I am committed.

Now, Sons, can I get an application without stoning? Hey, men, would you still consider my application?

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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