West Point is reinstating Confederate imagery, including a portrait of Robert E. Lee and his quote, after being removed in 2022 due to a Department of Defense directive. This decision aligns with a broader effort to restore Confederate names and monuments, as championed by the Trump administration, which argues for honoring and learning from history rather than erasing it. While the Army asserts that this complies with federal law, some, like retired Brigadier General Ty Seidule, argue that these symbols contradict the values taught at West Point and question the legality of the restoration, as a congressionally mandated commission recommended the removal of Confederate symbols.
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In a move that is part of a larger effort to restore Confederate symbols, Defense chief Pete Hegseth is reintroducing a controversial painting of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at West Point. The painting, depicting Lee in his Confederate uniform accompanied by a slave, was originally displayed in 1952 during a period of racial segregation. Its reintroduction comes amidst efforts to reinstate Confederate symbols and honor figures who fought to preserve slavery, as was done during the Trump administration. This decision faces potential legal challenges due to existing laws concerning the removal of Confederate names and symbols from military institutions.
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Robert E. Lee, a wealthy slave-owning oligarch, orchestrated a treasonous war against the United States, resulting in the deaths of nearly 750,000 Americans. Donald Trump’s recent praise of Lee and subsequent actions, including lying to and manipulating soldiers for political gain, demonstrate a dangerous disregard for democratic principles and military neutrality. Trump’s actions, coupled with the complicity of key figures like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echo historical patterns of authoritarian regimes undermining democratic institutions. This blatant disregard for established military policy and the normalization of fascist rhetoric pose a significant threat to American democracy.
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In Alabama and Mississippi, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is jointly observed with Robert E. Lee Day, a legacy from early 20th-century state legislation honoring Confederate leaders. This juxtaposition of figures with opposing legacies persists despite repeated legislative efforts by Black lawmakers in both states to separate the holidays. Recent attempts to either remove Lee’s recognition or reschedule his observance have failed to gain sufficient support. While other Southern states have removed or altered similar Confederate holidays, Alabama and Mississippi remain the only two states that continue this practice.
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As a proud American citizen, it is disheartening to see our country’s leader, President Donald Trump, make such ignorant and insensitive comments about one of the most tragic events in American history – the Battle of Gettysburg. His recent rant where he described this horrific battle as “beautiful” is not only historically inaccurate but also deeply troubling.
The Battle of Gettysburg was anything but beautiful. It was a bloody, brutal conflict that resulted in over 50,000 casualties, including 8,000 dead. To trivialize the sacrifice and suffering of those who fought and died in that battle is not only disrespectful but also shows a complete lack of understanding and empathy on the part of our president.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood