Confederate Flag Controversy Flies in Holly Hill

WCIV

HOLLY HILL, S.C. (WCIV) — Tempers flared Thursday night over whether or not the Confederate Flag will fly along a busy stretch of highway outside the rural Orangeburg County town of Holly Hill.

The South Carolina division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans plans to erect a 40-foot flagpole on property they own just outside Holly Hill.

Earlier this week, Holly Hill town council passed a resolution to stop any Confederate Flag from going up along Old State Road. The Sons of Confederate Veterans’ property is located on the road, only feet outside the town limits.

People packed a town hall meeting Thursday to discuss the controversy.

The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance to one flag, but the room quickly divided over the other.

Leland Summers, the state leader of Sons of Confederate Veterans said the flag honors fallen Confederate soldiers. He told the audience he’s a direct descendant of seven Confederate soldiers.

“It deserves the same respect as any veteran’s banner,” Summers aid. “It is not and has never been a banner of slavery, racism, bigotry or hate.”

But others vehemently disagreed and said the flag is much more than a memorial, but a reminder of a dark period in American history and the support of slavery.

“In my opinion and I think in many other people’s opinions, it’s counterproductive to development going forward both for race relations in our country and economic development,” said a pastor from Eutawville, South Carolina.

“We don’t want a flag in our community that we have to ride by every day and that our children have to see to be reminded of the wrongs that you have done,” said one Holly Hill resident. “You think it’s something to be proud of but it’s something to be ashamed of.”

For two hours, people took turns voicing their opinions, while others directed questions at Summers.

“If we use anything other than (the Confederate flag) to recognize them, then we are sorry Americans,” said one supporter.

“What demonstration of compromise are you willing to give in order to initiate a relationship and for those that are hurt, what are you willing to compromise in order to further that relationship?” asked one audience member.

“My compromise is there is no compromise from us anymore. However, we’re willing to listen,” Summers said in response. “We made a compromise that made the Heritage Act of 1999. That was our compromise.”

Despite the difference in opinions, the town hall closed with a prayer of unity. It’s unclear if there will be additional town halls, but Summers said they will be erecting a flag in the area, regardless.