Rallies for, against Confederate flag duel at Gettysburg
GETTYSBURG (AP) – Supporters and opponents of use of the Confederate flag clashed verbally in opposing demonstrations at Gettysburg National Military Park, with tensions high at times.
The Evening Sun of Hanover reports that Cumberland Township police and park officers had to separate a few people Saturday afternoon before disagreements became physical.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans Gettysburg said their Confederate Flag Day gathering at the park’s Eternal Peace Light Monument was intended to honor Southern ancestors.
A counter demonstration was organized by Scott Hancock, Gettysburg College associate professor of history and Africana studies, who said he wanted to offer a different perspective on the flag’s meaning.
Other than trading insults and invective, there were few interactions between the opposing groups, who were separated a few hundred feet and two portable fences.