Confederate monument supporters rally against its removal - WBRC FOX6 News - Birmingham, AL

Despite the extreme heat Saturday, more than 70 people gathered at the foot the Madison County Courthouse to express their views on an even hotter issue - the Confederate memorial on the premises.

Carolyn Hardin is a Huntsville native and boldly supports the South’s heritage.

"You can’t change history; it’s already happened," said Hardin.

Hardin says she came to the Rally to Preserve the Confederate Memorial on the courthouse square because she’s had enough.

"I just wish everybody would leave the American Confederate history alone and leave our statues where they belong," said Hardin.

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For almost 110 years, the 24-foot statue of a Confederate private has stood in downtown Huntsville.

However, some who say it stands as symbol of hate are petitioning to have it removed from the west side of the courthouse.

After hearing that news, Karen Lower planned the rally in hopes of preserving the memorial.

"We’re seeing a purging of historical truth and the purging historical artifacts nationwide, and now it’s hit home in Huntsville,” said Lower.

At least six different camps representing the Sons of Confederacy came from all over the Tennessee Valley, saying the removal of the monument also ignores the sacrifice of their forefathers who fought in battle.

"I’m here to protect my Southern history as well as my Confederate ancestors that fought and died for what they knew was right," said Gerald Moore, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

"I just wish that people would get the message that because we love our Southern history, we are not haters. We don’t hate anybody," said Hardin.
 
Rally leaders said about 68 signatures were collected at Saturday's rally. As of Saturday night, there were more than 300 online signatures.
 
Their goal is to reach 1,000 signatures before Lower submits the petition to the Madison County Commission, who then decide if and when they’ll take up this issue.

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