Interesting: Defaced Confederate Memorial

Veterans Day commemorates U.S. men and women who have served in the military for their country. Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials as did someone in Montgomery, Al this past weekend. But this particular observance was a little more, um, 'thought provoking' than others.

Over the 3 day weekend someone climbed the Confederate Memorial near the steps of the Alabama capitol building and painted the face and hands of the 4 confederate soldiers black. A little after lunch my boss told me about the defacement and I grabbed my camera and walked over (I work just across the street). Most of the people around were walkers out getting their daily exercise and some had not even noticed. A few people that worked in the capitol building were talking about the act, but no one had any idea who did it or what it was in reference to.

At the bottom, over a carved quote, was a cryptic message "N.T. 111131". Later, a coworker deciphered a possible meaning. Nat Turner's slave rebellion in 1831 seemed to fit the situation. On August 20, 1831 a group of slaves led by Nat killed at least 55 white people in Southampton County Virginia. Nat was caught, tried and hung on 11-11-1831. The details are horrifying in many ways, but the essential story is about an oppressed man who could take no more and rose up against his oppressors.

I certainly found the "defacement" thought provoking as I did not know about Nat's Rebellion, or, at least, had not thought about it since some long forgotten history class. I'm sure many people were not happy about the "black face soldiers" but I believe it is a fine, non-violent, thoughtful idea. And one fitting of Veterans Day, a day when we look to thank those who provide us with the freedom to promote ideas any way we see fit.