State Senator Harold Jones Calls for Renaming of Confederate Memorial Day

AUGUSTA (July 2, 2015)  |  State Senator Harold Jones (D-Augusta), today released a statement calling for the renaming of Confederate Memorial Day, which is traditionally celebrated each April 26th in the state of Georgia. 

“I believe that the recent events in Charleston underscore that it is time for Georgia to rename Confederate Memorial Day”, said Sen. Jones. “It is important for our state to recognize our history, and to honor fallen soldiers, but not to do so in a way that might indicate a state endorsement or condoning of the Confederate cause.

“Renaming Confederate Memorial Day would be a positive step for our state and would continue Georgia’s tradition of leading the South on civil rights issues.”

Jones suggests renaming the holiday “Georgia Memorial Day” to commemorate Georgians who have died in wartime, including the Civil War.

Confederate Memorial Day was first celebrated in Georgia in 1866. A 1984 state law change directs the Governor to observe, by proclamation, one of the following dates: January 19, April 26, or June 3 to commemorate the events of the Civil War.

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For Immediate Release:
July 2, 2015

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brett Johnson, Broadcast Specialist
Brett.Johnson@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028