[FLAUSA]

"As you probably know, Marines are informally socialized that when they say "Semper Fidelis" it means to God, country and Corps.

That does not allow of any of this neo-confederate crap.

Walt

When I was in the Marine Corps (1964-1968), there were plenty of proudly displayed confederate battle flags. At that time, the confederate battle flag stood for a distinct part of America, the South-Eastern portion and represented everyone there, white, black, or purple. When I chose to defend this country, I chose to defend all of this country, including "neo-confederates" whoever they are. They have a right to their opinions just as you have a right to express your opinions.

Semper Fidelis means "always faithful" but faithful to what? God, country, and Corps? Yes. But niether one of us has had to make the tough decision on "What is my country?" But a country is composed of states which are composed of communities. Is my loyality to my country, to my state, or to my community? Am I willing to kill my nieghbors and relatives for my country? These are the tough decisions that people had to make in 1860. Local loyalities were much stronger then and most folks chose loyality to their communities and states. Does that make them traitors?

If I were alive during that time, I don't know how I would have chosen. But we do need to remember that counties are not perminant entities. Countries come and go. All we can do is act honorably in whatever situation we find ourselves. I believe that the vast majority of Confederate soldiers acted honorably given their situation. And because they acted honorably, I owe them respect.

[tet68]

Semper Fi MARINES!

[WhiskeyPapa]

At that time, the confederate battle flag stood for a distinct part of America, the South-Eastern portion and represented everyone there, white, black, or purple.

Including the three voting activist/civil rights workers that were murdered in Mississippi in 1964? Or maybe just their murderers?

Did it represent Medger Evers? Or just Brian De La Beckwith, the man who shot him in the back in 1963?

I appreciate your comments, but I don't think you are on target here.

Walt

[WhiskeyPapa]

But niether one of us has had to make the tough decision on "What is my country?" But a country is composed of states which are composed of communities. Is my loyality to my country, to my state, or to my community?

It's a no-brainer. Upon your acceptance into the military, you took an oath. That oath is to the Constitution of the United States; further, when you took that oath you swore to obey the orders of the officers appointed over you.

Walt

[Grand Old Partisan]

"At that time, the confederate battle flag stood for a distinct part of America, the South-Eastern portion and represented everyone there, white, black, or purple."

Did the Confederate battle flag represent the 40% of southerners -- the blacks and the white unionists, who together contributed 300,000 troops to the Union Army -- who opposed the Confederacy?

[stainlessbanner]

All we can do is act honorably in whatever situation we find ourselves.

Well said! Great post