EDENTON — This morning’s statue rally may be a “thing” so plan accordingly if you’re headed downtown.
As everyone knows, a Confederate heritage rally organized by the Tarheel Flaggers and the Southern Independence Association will be held on Saturday at the Confederate Memorial, located at the intersection of South Broad Street and West Water Street.
Billed as “Rebels at the Battery,” the event will begin at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day. A flyer for the gathering invites “fellow flaggers” to join in making their “voices heard at the Edenton, NC Confederate Monument.”
Albemarle Observer will be covering the event, and I’m sure other media outlets will be watching too. Let me say this: please, please, anyone who wants to offer any quotes to drive-by out-of-town reporters, whether you are for the statue or against it, please be kind to our town and our community. I get it – you are passionate about the issue – but at the end of the day, your quotes, especially if you badmouth Edenton, will go near and far and tarnish our reputation.
Maybe it is best to say “no comment” because if you say something stupid to a halfwit reporter who just wants a soundbite, then remember you’re likely to run into folks who may call you out while you pass each other in the Mt. Olive pickle aisle while shopping at the town’s only grocery store. Remember, at the end of the day, we all have to live together as neighbors and work toward progress.
Just a reminder — statement from Town Hall — “We affirm the constitutional rights of all individuals and groups to peacefully assemble and express their views, as protected by the First and Fourth Amendments,” reads the statement included below. “The Town supports the free expression of ideas, provided such expression remains lawful and respectful of the broader community.”
The town’s statement specifically addresses permissible activities, noting that protesters may use public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, and town-owned areas for peaceful demonstration, provided there is no obstruction of traffic, interference with pedestrian access, or damage to public property. The statement explicitly prohibits blocking building entrances or preventing the free movement of passersby.
Officials warned that any acts of vandalism, harassment, or physical intimidation “will be met with appropriate enforcement actions under local and state law,” emphasizing that the town “will not tolerate any behavior that disrupts local commerce or threatens the safety, peace, or day-to-day life of our residents and visitors.”
While confirming that law enforcement agencies have developed a comprehensive public safety plan, the town stated it would not release specific security details “for operational security reasons” to maintain “the integrity and effectiveness of our safety protocols.”
For inquiries related to public space use or permits, the town directed residents to contact the Edenton Police Department at 252-482-5144 or Town Hall at 252-482-2155.
Since it’s related – here is a letter to the editor about the statue from Scott Perry:
Time to Accept the Decision on the Monument Move
In recent weeks, emotions have run high over the decision to relocate the Confederate monument to Veterans Park, located behind the courthouse. I understand the passion—I don’t want it moved either. But facts matter, and the truth is this: two duly elected bodies of local government—the Edenton Town Council and the Chowan County Board of Commissioners—voted to approve the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that makes the move possible.
The law in North Carolina is clear. Local governments are permitted to relocate a memorial if it is placed in a similar, rather than identical or equal, place of prominence. Veterans Park, just behind the courthouse, meets that standard. The move was done in compliance with state statute, and both boards agreed it was the best path forward.
Let’s be clear—neither I nor anyone protesting on Saturday speaks for the Town of Edenton or Chowan County. The Town Council represents approximately 2,000 resident taxpayers, and the County Commissioners represent about 14,000. They are the voices chosen by the people, and they made their decision after due process.
We can disagree with the outcome. But at some point, we must respect the process. Two governing bodies found a legal, workable solution that keeps the monument in a place of honor while ending the endless tug-of-war. The MOU could serve as a model for communities across North Carolina struggling with similar debates.
It’s time to grow up, accept the decision, and move forward as a community.
3 responses to “Please Don’t Badmouth Edenton”
I have said it many times. If the Move the Monument crowd will just go away, so will the other side. They got away with being the lone voice for nearly a year before they were opposed. The memorial supporters have honored every denial for permits from the town due to special evolutions like parades and other happenings in town whereas the other side ignores the same requests to stay away. It goes to show their attitude toward serenity. I only mention this here as I know what to expect from outside agitators.
So. According to you, if the the Move the Monument folks go away, you will to….
Funny that.
Underhanded way of saying let me get what I want.
The “Move the Monument” crowd shows clearly, by their huge billboard enroute to Edenton on Hwy. 17, that they are #1 funded by outside influencers and #2 care very little for the reputation of Edenton. I have said often that I have respect for the Town Council of Edenton and the County Commissioners of Chowan for their desire to follow the law and abide by the statutes of North Carolina. Our County Commissioners in Pitt County were lawless in their pursuit of political expediency and heeded not to the ‘Monument Protection Statute’ legally passed and enacted by the North Carolina Legislature in 2015.
If y’all could get your “Move the Monument” crowd to REMOVE their huge billboard outside town, it would also remove a stain from the lovely town of Edenton’s image and reputation. After all, they are publicly promoting LOVE for ALL.
J. McRoy