Several

readers thoughtfully responded to my column concerning

the issue of the Georgia flag. In that column several

weeks ago, I gave support to taking the Confederate

emblem out of the state flag. Even a pastor friend took

the time to write a respectful rebuke. One reader wrote

me and said he grieved for the memory of my grandfather

who fought for the South. Some responses were from Sons

of the Confederacy. They even invited me to one of their

meetings. Now, I want to share my heart.

I realize

larger issues confront Georgia than the flag. The

African-American community surely is more concerned about

economic progress and crime than they are about the flag.

Our state governors over the years have been governors of

all the people-with the state flag always standing

tall in their office. All five of my sisters and I are

rightly proud of our grandfather. One sister sought and

received membership into the Daughters of the

Confederacy. She gave me all her authentication documents

that I might apply for the Sons of the Confederacy. Maybe

I have already eliminated my chances.

When I go

to Stone Mountain to see the laser show and hear Elvis

Presley sing "Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory" as

Generals Lee, Jackson, and President Davis are outlined

in laser light, tears fall every time. I do not believe

anyone can adequately understand what our ancestors went

through. The Civil War rung with more pathos than any war

in our history. Brother fighting brother. Men and women

fighting for a cause, for which they laid down their

lives. Nevertheless, let me offer a point of comparison.

Many of

us-even those of us who are Vietnam era veterans

-came to differ greatly about the Vietnam War that

took 55,000 U.S. lives. Still, in no way did or does our

distaste for the war and reasons behind it disparage the

courage, commitment, and cost of the men and women who

fought in Vietnam. It took us too long to hail the

soldiers of Vietnam-living and dead. In reality, in

their hearts they fought for freedom. Their sacrifices

could have very played a huge part in the collapse of the

Berlin Wall and subsequently Communist Russia.

So, to my

brothers who keep alive the sacrifice and memory of our

Confederate dead, thank you. This dialog has caused me to

repent of my own negligence of Confederate Memorial Day.

We all should be more grateful for those who gave their

last ounce of devotion.

Another

thing. As a churchman I should be more concerned about

taking racism out of the church than the Confederate

emblem out of the flag. The church has "miles and

miles to go before we sleep" on the matter of

desegregating the most segregated hour of the week. Black

churches as well as white churches. To this end, I am

committed.

Now, Sons,

can I get an application without stoning? Hey, men, would

you still consider my application?

The Rev. Dr. John

Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in

Fayetteville.

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