Introduction

The Confederate flag has a long and controversial history, often symbolizing not only the American Civil War but also oppression and hatred. Misconceptions and inaccuracies about the origins and removal of the Confederate flag often lead to further polarization and misunderstanding. This article aims to clarify the truth behind the claims that ‘Trump got rid of the Confederate flag’ and explore the context and actions taken by various entities.

ACTION TAKEN BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Contrary to popular belief, it was not Donald Trump who made the decision to remove the Confederate flag. Instead, it was the citizens and communities that often took the initiative to erase these painful and offensive symbols. They desired to rid themselves of reminders of a dark past that glorified oppression and violence. The decision was driven by the aim to protect public safety and promote inclusivity.

Removing such symbols serves to honor the memory of those who were victims of such oppression. It is a warning that we should not forget the horrors of the past. However, erasing these symbols can also be interpreted as an attempt to erase painful history altogether, which may lead to repeating the mistakes of the past.

REMOVAL BY GOVERNMENT ENTITIES: THE PENTAGON

Another common misconception is that Trump or his administration was responsible for the removal of Confederate symbols from the Pentagon. In reality, it was the U.S. Pentagon that made this decision, specifically for the uniforms of U.S. military personnel. This decision aligns with the standards of appropriate symbolism in the military. Allowing Confederate symbols on military personnel uniforms would be akin to allowing Nazi or Japanese flags, which would be unacceptable given the atrocities associated with these regimes.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND HIS ACTIONS

Abraham Lincoln himself had a significant role in the eventual removal of Confederate symbols. Approximately two weeks before the end of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued a message to the U.S. Military, stating, 'Let it be formally ordered that no person be permitted to wear the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia or in any manner to display the same, whether on campaign or other duties.') This action set the precedent for future erasures of Confederate symbols.

The purpose of eliminating such symbols was not political or personal, but rather to ensure that the military maintained a sense of unity and purpose. The battle flag of the Confederacy had become a divisive symbol that undermined the unity of the Union forces. By removing this flag, Lincoln and the military leadership aimed to foster a common identity and shared purpose among the troops.

CONCLUSION

The misconceptions surrounding the removal of the Confederate flag primarily blame Donald Trump, which is inaccurate. Various communities, the U.S. Pentagon, and even Abraham Lincoln himself have taken actions to eliminate these offensive symbols. These actions serve as reminders of the need to remember and learn from the past in order to prevent the repetition of harmful practices and to foster unity and progress. It is crucial to understand the true history and context behind these actions to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.