Let Southerners celebrate heritage

To the editor:

Born and raised in Jackson, I am writing to you from a city that proudly celebrates its Confederate heritage. The news of the issue concerning the Confederate battle flag at the grave site of Col. William Jeffers in Jackson has made itself known 850 miles away.

I urge the Jackson Board of Aldermen to let the flag fly. I could name numerous reasons to justify the Confederacy and the cause of the South, but I must keep this brief. People offended by all things Confederate are going by media accounts of ignorant attempts by radical, racist groups that exploit the stereotyped rebel flag.

As Americans, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. February is Black History Month. Those are a part of celebrating heritage and history, and I think it's great that this country opportunes the freedom to celebrate such. Why do folks of Southern heritage not have the same advantage? Why can't we respect our ancestors and honor how much we appreciate their struggle without having to get into a huge political debate every time? Please allow Colonel Jeffers the honor his grave deserves.

KIMBERLY (HARRIS) LYNCH, Winchester, Va.