Decades after the Civil War ended, Confederate monuments began to be erected in the South – in part as a response to a Northern movement to honor its own soldiers with statues. Mark Elliott, a history professor from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, joined LX News to delve into the history of the Confederate statues and why some Southerners defend their existence.
A bill proposed by one state senator from Broward County would put an end to three holidays in the state of Florida honoring Confederate leaders and the movement.
State Sen. Lauren Book, a Democrat from Plantation, introduced SB 250 last week aimed at removing all memorialization of the Confederate States of America, NBC affiliate WPTV-TV reported.
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Among the dates in Florida recognized as legal holidays include the birthdays of former Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee (January 19) and Jefferson Davis, who served as president of the CSA (June 3).
Confederate Memorial Day on April 26 is also recognized.
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Book’s bill also calls for an end to "provisions prohibiting specified improper uses or mutilation of the flag or emblem of the Confederate States of America."
Book, who also serves as the Senate minority leader, has previously attempted to push through similar legislation. All previous bills have failed in committee.
