Post by honeybee on Mar 28, 2007 9:58:25 GMT -4
By CRAIG SCHNEIDER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/28/07
As the state Legislature ponders whether to apologize for slavery, the Cobb County Commission on Tuesday honored April as Confederate History and Heritage Month — with a black commissioner making the proclamation.
Commissioner Annette Kesting said she had no trouble honoring the Confederate cause.
"They were fighting for their families and their history," said Kesting. She added that this is the third year in a row that she has made the April proclamation for the commission. "Everyone is entitled to their history."
During Tuesday night's commission meeting, she presented a written proclamation to several representatives of the Georgia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Dan Coleman, a member of the group, said several municipalities honor Confederate history in April, which is the traditional month for doing so.
The proclamation read, "The state of Georgia has long cherished its Confederate history and honored great leaders such as General Robert E. Lee." It also noted that several Civil War battles were fought in Cobb.
Several people attending the meeting said they were surprised by the presentation.
"I thought it was strange," said Jewell Farley, 53, of Acworth. "Why do they need a whole month?"
Randy Gamble said he thought it odd that the commission would make such a resolution at a time when the state lawmakers are considering an apology for slavery, and that it was made by a black woman.
"It wasn't offensive, but it was a little uncomfortable, because I know it's a sore spot with so many others," he said.