RICHMOND, Va. -- City Hall dropped a giant 38-foot flag from the top of its observation deck, at the same moment that the Sons of Confederates were gathering for an evening at the Museum of the Confederacy, just a couple of blocks away.
The annual gathering of Sons of Confederates has fallen under increased scrutiny this year as controversy swirls over the Stars and Bars.
Just this past week James Baker, an Amelia County man, was arrested for brandishing a firearm at a group waving the Confederate flag in Chesterfield.
"He is a nice guy--he'll do anything for anybody," Joyce Coleman, Baker's cousin, told CBS 6.
Coleman said she as surprised her cousin had been accused of these things but says that when the Confederate flag flies, "people will take it the wrong way."
Those attending the cConvention which takes place at the Double Tree off Midlothian told us they were attending to show support for the flag. Some are coming as far away as Europe to attend and crowds are expected to be the biggest in years.
Many told us they are there to support their heritage and that the flag is a symbol for states rights, not hate.
"This flag is a flag that represents all that we hold dear," Wayne, a Jeb Stuart persona, said.
"I am sorry for the person who is offended but people who are offended don't have a right to be violent," Rev. Lynwood Wilkes, an attendee, said.
