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What granddaughter of Confederate soldier thinks about flag’s removal

Posted at 6:38 PM, Jul 10, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-10 18:38:37-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- As with any symbol people see it differently and the Confederate flag controversy has its share of people on both sides that are passionate about their beliefs.

Some also say the controversy is far from over.

When it comes to Civil War History Martha Henkel is proud of the connection she has to her grandfather, who fought alongside Confederate General J.E.B Stuart.

Yet, Henkel supports the Confederate flag’s removal in South Carolina.

Martha Henkel is proud of the connection she has to her grandfather, who fought alongside Confederate General J.E.B Stuart.

Martha Henkel is proud of the connection she has to her grandfather, who fought alongside Confederate General J.E.B Stuart.

"It coming down and all, yes, I think they're doing everything as they should do it,” Henkel said.

One hundred years after the Civil War Martha was marching for Civil Rights in the 1960s, but she's not against the Confederate flag.

"Don't tell me I can't put that flag on my Grandfathers grave,” Henkel said.

There are more than 500 flags at the American Civil War museum, including these Confederate Battle Flags.

American Civil War museum

American Civil War museum

"These are original flags, as you see behind us here, these flags were captured at Pickett's Charge, in July of 1863,” said Sam Craghead, American Civil War Museum.

In a historical context, many visitors are fine with the Confederate flag, but in terms of the flag flying at the South Carolina state house, they see it as inappropriate.

"I think in this day and age, it's appropriate for it to be brought down and no longer be there,” said Fred Ferrari, visiting the museum from California.

A Confederate Flag Run is planned for July 11.

A Confederate Flag Run is planned for July 11.

On Saturday. July 11,  a Confederate flag run will go from Dinwiddie County to Chester. The parade is to show support for the flag, organized by people who believe it should be left alone. The event page is here, on Facebook.

"You can ban the flag on a government building but you cannot ban the flag in your hand or in your house, that's freedom of speech and that's one thing we will always have,” said Jerry Dyson, with the flag run.

The starting address for the run is 5300 River Road, Petersburg. People will meet starting at 11:30 a.m. and the group will head out around 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

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