Statement
Statement by County Executive Ike Leggett On the Moving of Montgomery County’s Confederate Statue
For Immediate Release: Saturday 22 July
July 22, 2017
“I am pleased to announce today that the County is relocating the Confederate soldier statue from County property next to Rockville’s Red Brick Courthouse to a private location overlooking the Potomac River at White’s Ferry. This location is near the river crossings actually used by Confederate forces during the War Between the States. The County recently transferred ownership of the statue, given to us by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1913, to White’s Ferry, Inc.
“My motivation in wanting the statue moved is simple and straightforward.
“Montgomery County residents fought on both sides of the tragic conflict that so divided our nation more than 150 years ago. I agree with President Obama, who said that understanding the history of the Confederacy and the history of the Civil War is something that every American should be part of.
“However, this statue is inaccurate because it pays tribute only to the Montgomery County young men who fought for the Confederacy, not also to those County residents who fought to preserve the Union and free those held in bondage.
“Therefore the statue does not represent a balanced view of our County’s sacrifice during the Civil War. I believe it should not be located on County property. Because it has significance locally, I want it to remain in Montgomery County – but not on County-owned land. I wanted it to be accessible to those who want to visit it.
“Like most Americans, I do not believe in ‘erasing’ past history to conform to what might be presently prevailing politics. As President George W. Bush said at the dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African American History & Culture, ‘A great nation does not hide its history. It faces its flaws and corrects them.’ I believe that this relocation is consistent with those sentiments.”
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Contact: Patrick Lacefield, 240-777-6528, 301-919-9372 (cell)
Release ID: 17-010