The Vindication of the Cause: Submitted by Eileen Parker Zoellner

There has been some discussion in the past few days about whether the SC tag shown below, should be even offered, let alone available for ALL SC residents. Opinions vary and run the full range of the spectrum.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans was founded by veterans and direct descendants of veterans who fought in the War Between the States. It was established as and remains an organization independent of all other organizations other than the Military Order of the Stars and Bars. The SCV mission is to honor, protect and preserve the Confederate heritage, principles, sacrifices and history of their ancestors and is an organization based on heritage, NOT hate. All members are descendants of the original defenders of Confederate history. Preserving the history and legacy of these heroes is paramount, so that future generations can understand the motives that impassioned the Southern Cause.

The mission of the SCV is best said with the Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans given by Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, CSA, Commander General, United Confederate Veterans, 1906:

"To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we submit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought; to your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles he loved and which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations".

The members of the SCV received the charge to be "......,the guardianship of his history." How much clearer can that be? This is a honor bestowed specifically upon the male descendants of the original defenders of Confederate history, not every citizen of South Carolina or any other state. Doing so violates the mission of the SCV and jeopardizes the sanctity of the organization. If disgusts me that anyone would betray the SCV and blatantly turn their backs on the memories of those incredible men who fought with everything they had to defend our land. Why? Apparently the all mighty dollar is more important than their heritage and ancestors. Then you wonder why our heritage is being annihilated piece by piece. How are we ever going to keep our heritage if we have to fight the obvious attackers, and also defend our heritage against our own people? The blood of the good Confederate soldiers is in the ground and runs through our veins. Don't ever forget that and DON'T EVER FORGET THEM!!