To the Editor:
As a born, raised and very proud Alexandrian, I watch with a heavy heart, the results of society trying to tear down and dispose of our American history in all respects. When America was being born, and it went through growing pains, people named towns, cities, streets, buildings, etc., after those who made impacts to this country.
Now it seems that our country has changed, and not for the better.
There are those who feel that up to now, they had no say, as though they were "passed over" in some way, and now want to abolish all remains of our history, due in part because they feel it’s "owed" to them. Well, no it isn’t. We are hundreds of years past the wars, including the Civil War in case you haven’t yet recognized that fact, and you need to move on in your life. It's history. Leave it alone — it's done and finished. If you feel wronged in some way, now you have a chance to make your own mark, but that doesn’t include changing history — it’s in the past. Make a new mark of your own; honor your own by doing something new.
Regarding the Appomattox statue — he is part of Alexandria — he was put there to honor the soldiers that marched off to war to fight for what they believed in. He isn’t standing there as a symbol of oppression, or looking “down” on anyone. He was put there to honor all.
Alexandria's monies shouldn’t be used to change names of streets, buildings, schools, or remove statues that "offend" someone — it should be used for things to benefit the city and all who live there; to update the city's infrastructure, for the homeless and poor, to better the schools, the roads, etc. Don’t be "offended" by everything. Put yourselves into new ideas and projects, and leave the history alone. It can’t and won’t hurt you. It’s gone, but we need to be proud of all of it, because our ancestors believed in it and gave their lives for it.
Now we can honor them by moving on, working together, and making America something they would be proud of.
Our America is in turmoil. We have bigger things to worry about than changing the name of street, school or removing a confederate statue or flag. Come on people, let’s work together and get it done.
Sue Emerson Bonnett
Augusta, W.Va.