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To the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors:

We are writing this letter to request that the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors bring to question the removal of the Confederate Soldier statue from the front of the Lunenburg County Courthouse.

Given the recent demonstrations and the movement to evidence equality for all across our nation, for us the statue at the courthouse does not convey this perception. For those from the North and more importantly and especially for residents of color, the statue symbolizes a time when equality for all was not the norm. We are one nation. To enter the courts of our county and expect justice for all, any perception which is contrary to our Constitution that all men are created equal, must and should be avoided.

Do we think the statue should be destroyed? Definitely, no. Removal of the statue to a location which would provide some historical context would, we believe, be appropriate. We cannot deny history but we can learn its lessons and not perpetuate its mistakes. And who would pay for this removal? That issue would need to be addressed, as well as where it is most appropriate for the statue to go; however, approving the removal and relocation of the statue is the heart of the matter.

Lunenburg County is considered the “Mother of all Counties” in Virginia and we are hopeful that it will embrace its rich heritage and take the action needed in these changing and healing times.

 

Rev. Wiley and Carole Wallace

Kenbridge