Our Southern Heritage
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What is “ Our Southern Heritage”? We say we are proud of it, that it’s worth defending. But, do we really know what it is? From research, I’ve found that my ancestors were poor dirt farmers. They never even owned the land they farmed on. I tend to have serious doubts that they had any stake in the issue of slavery. Still, they enlisted in Infantry, and Cavalry units and went off to fight in the War Between the States. Well then, what were they fighting for? When I feel a sense of pride as I see the flags of the Confederacy wave in the breeze, what is my heritage? What Legacy has been handed down to me by my ancestors? What does it mean to be Southern? Perhaps it’s time we try to formulate some ideas on what there is about us that we feel is special. Here are some key points which I believe form a common thread in the values and belief system of most Southerners. Southern Ideals We are taught to revere and honor the Lord. That Godly ways should dictate how we conduct our daily lives, our dealings with others and should be the foundation of our country, community and family. We believe that our family is all important. That their safety and well-being is to be looked after at all costs, and that no sacrifice is too great on their behalf. We have a moral duty and responsibility to stand up for and defend the land our ancestors shed blood over to give us the prosperity and freedoms we have today. As our mothers and the mothers of our children, our women are revered and respected as beacons of wisdom, truth and beauty imparted to our sons and daughters. They are deserving of our admiration and respect and not to be derided with catcalls, whistles or paraded in scanty clothing to be leered at by others. Marriage is the Holy and perfect union of one man and one woman before the eyes of God. It is not to be entered into lightly and should be looked on as the foundation of our society and community and as the origin of the family unit. Life begins with Conception in the womb. All life is a sacred gift of God and should be protected, cherished and nurtured. God blessed us with life, what we make of it is up to us. Our children are deserving of the best care, attention, education and home that we can provide for them. We owe them an opportunity to improve their station in life. It is our duty and responsibility as parents to impart to them our knowledge, ideals and tools necessary for them to take their place as honorable, responsible adults. Our parents and their parents before them struggled, and sacrificed. They endured hardships, fought wars, cried, bled, and died so that their children could survive and continue on. We owe them honor and respect for giving us life and for imparting the goals and ideals which have shaped our lives and communities for generations. We and our neighbors have worked hard and long for the property and material goods we have. That responsibility and ownership is to be respected. If it's not yours - don't touch it! We readily help our neighbors when they need us. We only ask for what can get through our own efforts. No one owes us a living, we determine our own destiny. We have the right to dictate our own lives. We have the right to govern ourselves, respecting the decisions made by Majority Rule in the best interests of all persons. We have the freedom to Pursue the best interests of our families. We respect that all persons have these same rights and freedoms that we also enjoy. We have the right and moral responsibility to defend these rights and freedoms. You may have a slightly different list or a different order of priority, but these are the values that have been passed to us from our parents and ancestors. If you have similar beliefs, we may not be as far apart as you think. In certain music videos, and various news media, we see these values being eroded on a daily basis. The private lives of our country’s leaders show a loss of these values. These are ideals and values which make up the core of our lives as Southerners. These are ideals and values that have just as much meaning today as they did in 1861. These ideals and values are worthy of our Pride and our Protection. These are the values that our ancestors handed down to us and are kept alive through the Symbols we hold dear. This is why our chests swell with a sense of pride when we see the Battle Flag proudly displayed. This is our Southern Heritage! Contributed by a member of the Lowry Rifles, SCV Camp 1740. |
