Atlanta Man Lowers Confederate Flag on South Carolina Interstate
Spartanburg County of South Carolina experienced what could potentially be the start of a feverous debate over historical symbolism and contemporary societal beliefs. A 22-year-old Atlanta man, identified as James Blitch, allegedly drove nearly three hours from his hometown to South Carolina with a mission in mind – to lower the Confederate flag flying over Interstate 85 south.
The Incident
Spartanburg County deputies apprehended James Blitch on Saturday night, accusing him of trespassing onto a property. The property in question is owned by the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Spartanburg chapter, which erected the Confederate flag in 2022. Once intercepted, Blitch allegedly stated his intent to lower the flag.
Confederate Flag – A Symbol of Pride or Division?
The Confederate flag, also known as the “battle flag,” features 13 white stars against a blue “X” on a red backdrop. Each star signifies a Confederate state, but the flag was never officially recognized as the symbol of the Confederacy. Despite this, the flag is held in high regard by some who view it proudly as a symbol of Southern heritage and a reminder of the American Civil War.
However, this symbol’s interpretation varies drastically among different individuals and communities. While some see it as an emblem of pride, others perceive it as a symbol of division, hatred, and pro-slavery views, given its association with the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, and other white supremacist groups over the past few decades.
A Controversial Symbol in Georgia
In the recent past, particularly in 2023, Georgia has seen many attempts to remove Confederate flags and statues from public spaces. ‘Sons of Confederate Veterans,’ a group representing families of Confederate soldiers, has warned those who want to remove Confederate street names that it’s prepared to take the issue to court. Georgia city council’s indication of desiring to strip anything tied to the Confederacy from street names sparked this warning.
Legal Battles over Confederate Symbols
In April 2024, the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans refiled a lawsuit against Gwinnett County for clearing a Confederate monument from Gwinnett Historic Courthouse’s premises. DeKalb, Henry Newton, and Rockdale counties faced similar lawsuits that were ultimately dismissed.
Future of Confederate Symbols
As the debate continues, the future of Confederate symbols remains hanging in the balance. The actions of individuals like James Blitch, paired with government bodies’ decisions regarding Confederate street names, will shape whether these symbols remain a part of the southern landscape or are ultimately removed.
For now, James Blitch was released on Sunday afternoon, after arguably highlighting a prominent nation-wide debate regarding the significance and future of Confederate flags and monuments.
