Gentlemen of the Sons of Confederate Veterans,
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and in response to the tragic attack upon the First Amendment of the Constitution and the life of Charlie Kirk, I have ordered the flags of the Confederate States of America and the flag of the SCV to be flown at half-staff for the remainder of this month. Gentlemen, Mr. Kirk was a strong defender of traditional American values, which we in the SCV have long defended. I encourage each member to reflect upon Mr. Kirk’s positive effort to encourage dialogue among people of various viewpoints.
As descendants of Confederate ancestors, Southerners, more than any other Americans, understand the need for civil discourse. We have seen our Southern history distorted and monuments to Southern heroes destroyed by those who do not wish to engage in dialogue, but rather force their radical views upon the South and all of America. Let us hope that Mr. Kirk’s tragic death will force those who hate traditional American values to rethink and change their less-than-civil attitude and discourse with their fellow Americans.
Please follow the lead of General Robert E. Lee and interact with our detractors and Mr. Kirk’s detractors with Christian charity. Pray for Mr. Kirk’s family, these United States, and our beloved Southland.
Deo Vindice,
Walter D. “Donnie” Kennedy
Commander-in-Chief, Sons of Confederate Veterans