Because Confederate statues, memorials, and flags displayed on these monuments and on the grounds of these monuments were erected in memory of Southern soldiers, leaders, and statesmen....

Because they were not erected to memorialize slavery, hatred, or racism...

Because monuments exist in the greater United States that memorialize men and women who were no more or less flawed as human beings...

And because Southern culture and history are unique, distinct, and in many ways defined by the War Between the States...

We sign this petition to have all Confederate memorials and their respective flags preserved and protected in their natural, original state. Because removing these monuments will not change history, hearts, or minds and will instead inspire anger, division, and resentment among the sizable community of people who view these monuments in a positive light.