How many people noticed the display of several Confederate flags in Houlton’s 4th of July parade? Parade organizers did not see them when lining up at the start of the parade, so obviously they were pulled out after they got on the parade route. That’s just part of the rebellion signified by that flag.
When I lived in the South, I saw the Confederate flag at museums, Civil War battlefields and re-enactments, and Confederate cemeteries — all appropriate places to display this flag. However, it has now come to symbolize racism and hatred, anti-immigrant, anti-government and white pride sentiments. The people displaying this flag in our parade were not celebrating their southern heritage. They were pointing out the alternative aspect of what this flag has come to represent.
People are free to display this flag on their own property, but it has no place in Houlton’s 4th of July parade. This parade is about celebrating our hometown and our memories. It’s the place for Smokey Bear, Girl Scouts, red tractors, McGill’s band and fire trucks. I hope measures will be taken next year to assure this flag does not reappear.
Paula Woodworth
Houlton
