Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Call the Confederate monument in front of the Old Isle of Wight County Courthouse what you will, but it remains a symbol of a failed and treasonous act.

It is a historical fact that the Confederacy came about after the succession of 11 states from the Union in an attempt to establish a new nation to protect and maintain the institution of slavery. That act of oppression of a people is unforgivable and should not be glorified.

Yes, the Confederacy is part of our nation’s history; however, Confederate monuments, statues, flags and other memorials honoring that dark side of history should not be displayed in a public square. Museums and libraries are more fitting.

The Confederate monument in the square of our county seat of government should come down. It is way past time to issue a mandate to reject bigotry, hatred and systematic racism everywhere. In Isle of Wight County, removing that monument is only a start.

Debra Huffman-Church

Smithfield