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WELCOME TO
BATTLE FLAG WICHITA
IN
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, Kansas 67203
THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE CITY OF WICHITA, KANSAS |
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KWCH-Confederate flag waves in Veterans'
Memorial Park - Some want it taken down permanently |
WICHITA, Kan. -
With the battle over whether to retire the Confederate
flag in South Carolina getting national attention, would
you be surprised to learn the City of Wichita flies the
flag as well?
There is one being flown in a Wichita city park. It's
part of a war memorial downtown. Some Wichitans want the
Confederate flag lowered permanently.
It's part of a memorial that's described as a look at
the development of the Stars and Stripes over the years.
The flags, according to the description, have all flown
over the U.S. during wars and are meant to provide
historical background.
"They view it as something as cultural, a heritage. We
view it as the same thing, a heritage of separation, a
heritage of separate but equal," said Reuben Eckels with
Sunflower Community Action. "When African Americans view
the Confederate flag we are reminded of slavery, we are
reminded of women being raped, babies being lynched and
burned."
Which is why, in the wake of the Charleston shootings,
Eckels and Sunflower Community Action say it's time for
this flag to be lowered in Wichita, permanently.
Hidden among a dozen other U.S. flags, all red, white
and blue with stars and stripes, it's not immediately
noticeable, until you look for it. But Eckels says
African Americans have known this flag was flying in
Wichita for years.
"I think a lot of people would be surprised," said
Eckels. "But we understand that racism is not just in
the South."
Eckels says they haven't spoken directly with those who
run Veterans Memorial Park, yet. But they plan to.
We checked with the city and leaders tell us they know
this is a sensitive issue and they're looking into
possible changes. But, a lot of people are involved in
running the park.
"City officials have begun reaching out to these
stakeholders to determine whether changes should be
considered, including additional interpretation," the
city said in a written statement.
So we wondered, do you think the Confederate flag should
be retired here in Wichita, or not? Most we spoke to
said no.
"I think there's actual historical purpose behind it.
It's not just one flag," said Katie Cloption. "So no, I
don't think they should be able to take it down."
"I think it should be taken down if its over the state
capital. But I think if it's part of a historical
display, like over the statues, you're probably ok
leaving it there," said Ryan Wallace.
"It stands for a lot of not good things. So I don't
know, you know?" said Jan Everhart. "I never even
thought about that."
"I would never put it up," said Dorothy Clopton. "But I
think it's just a slippery slope. We live in a land
where our freedom for expression and speech is extremely
important."
"No, I don't think it should come down," said Dominique
Walker. "Because all parts of history need to be
preserved and told to our kids."
No one we spoke with in our informal poll said they
thought this flag should come down now because they see
this display as more of a historical museum.
Veterans Memorial Park is officially a city park and
city leaders will have the final say.
"Kansas is a free state. We started out as a free state
and we need to make sure that that is the symbol that we
fly," said Eckels. "And not the Confederate flag."
The Confederate flag has flown in Wichita as part of the
Bicentennial Flag Pavilion Memorial since 1976. The
memorial also flies the Union flag from the Civil War
Era. |
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The purpose of this website is to focus
on the CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG and nothing else.
A reason to restore the CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG to it's rightful
place in
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
The topic of slavery, prejudice, bigotry or why the War
Between The States happened, etc.
can be discussed at a later date. |
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Please contact Wichita City Mayor Jeff
Longwell and request that he do the right thing and
raise the
Confederate Battle
Flag
to it's rightful place in VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK. |
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I would like to sign up to receive
email information and support this mission - |
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We invite everyone to visit VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK soon.
And take a young person with you so they can better understand
the price of freedom. |
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I take full responsibility for my
actions -
Herb Duncan an American Veteran.
(I help keep VETERANS MEMORIAL
PARK clean and presentable for visitors.)
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Please feel
free to share this webpage. |
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