Confederate History Month eGreetings

WHEREAS, high among those burdens borne upon the shoulders of any citizenry is the burden of armed conflict; and

WHEREAS, Alabamians have admirably answered the grim call to duty when beckoned, from the era of the musket to that of the missile; and

WHEREAS, the ominous clouds of dissension gave birth in the city of Montgomery to the Confederate States of America; and

WHEREAS, Alabamians again heeded the clarion with dignity, both at home and on the field of battle; and

WHEREAS, upon the conclusion of the war, many of these same leaders and citizens worked tirelessly to reunite and rebuild this country and forge reconciliation; and

WHEREAS, our recognition of Confederate history also recognizes that slavery was one of the causes of the war, an issue in the war, was ended by the war and slavery is hereby condemned

WHEREAS, the knowledge of the role of the Confederate States of America in the history of our state and nation is vital to understanding who we are and what we are; and

WHEREAS, we honor our past and from it draw the courage, strength and wisdom to reconcile ourselves and go forward into the future together as Alabamians and Americans:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim that the month of April shall henceforth be, Confederate History and Heritage Month in the State of Alabama.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND and the Great Seal of the Governor’s Office at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 18th day of March 2005.

Bob Riley