Heritage Preservation Association of Virginia
&
Virginia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans
February 4, 2004
VIRGINIA SENATE FALLS TO INTIMIDATION
Earlier today, Senate Joint Resolution 96 failed before the Senate of Virginia. Patroned by Senator Charles R. Hawkins of Chatham and supported by the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Heritage Preservation Association, SJR 96 would have designated the month of April, in 2004, and in each succeeding year, as Confederate History and Heritage Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"This is a case where the Senate and the Black Caucus has now told the Southerners to get to the back of the bus," said Bragdon Bowling, Commander of the Virginia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Despite such protests from the Black Caucus and several members of the Democratic Party, Senator Hawkins nobly defended SJR 96 on the Senate floor, but was let down by his own colleagues and fellow GOP members who were not willing to stand up to such intimidation. In a voice vote, the meek "ayes" in support were easily drowned out by the opposition, thus killing the Resolution. In response, Senator Hawkins made an attempt to force a reconsideration, but was again let down, as he was only able to muster four of the needed eight Senate supporters to join with him.
Fred D. Taylor, Virginia State President of the Heritage Preservation Association remarked, "The Senate must own up to its cowardly actions at some point or another, and explain to the people of Virginia why they continue to discriminate against those who admire and respect Southern heritage."
When asked about those supporters of SJR 96 who would not stand tall with Senator Hawkins on the floor, Taylor chose to quote Robert E. Lee: "You only have to do what is always right. It will become easier by practice, and you will enjoy in the midst of your trials the pleasure of an approving conscience. That will be worth everything else."
The HPA of Virginia is a state branch of the Heritage Preservation Association based in Atlanta, Georgia. The HPA is a nonprofit, 501(c) 4, national-membership organization that utilizes educational resources, along with political and legal action, to protect Southern symbols, Southern history, and Southern culture. The Virginia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, is a non-profit, 501(c) 3, national-membership organization with headquarters based in Columbia, Tennessee. Since 1896, the SCV has been charged with defending the good name of the Confederate soldier and the perpetuation of those principles for which he gave or risked his life. For more information, please visit us online at Http://www.hpa.org or Http://www.vascv.org or you may contact Fred D. Taylor at (757)-537-7495, or Brag Bowling at (804)-359-0382.