HPNA Election Bulletin

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The HPNA Says...

 

Below is the latest statement from the HPNA:

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Ownership of protected memorials is not the issue and has never been. The fact is, that by operation of Alabama law, no historical monument of any type, including any to Confederate Soldiers, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver or Martin Luther King, Jr., may be moved from any public land if it has been in place for 40 years or more. Who owns the monument does not change the 2017 Alabama Memorial Preservation Act. No “owner” can consent to violating the Act. 

Here is an issue for consideration. Why was State Senator Tim Melson, who voted for the Memorial Preservation Act in 2017, secretly negotiating to remove the one in his home county just three years later? Please find attached a letter of repudiation sent to Senator Melson by Attorney Jack B. Hinton for the President of the Alabama Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). Senator Melson had earlier told then Alabama Division President, Ms. Suzanna Rawlins, that the monument was not wanted by the people of Lauderdale County. Melson did this, though he had access to polling that showed the people of Lauderdale County wanted the monument to stay where it is currently located by a 2 to 1 margin. 

An earlier letter refers to the terms of some verbal negotiation Melson had conducted with Ms. Rawlins. The persuasive Dr./Senator Melson convinced Ms. Rawlins she could give the Eternal Vigil monument away. The UDC is not a wealthy organization and was not in a position to legally contend for a monument 200 miles away from Montgomery if the local citizens would not step up to protect their local memorial. The side issue of ownership may be decided by a declaratory judgement after a full presentation of facts to the judge. However, the only issue that has current import in this case is whether the elected Florence City and Lauderdale County officials will obey the law. They, so far, have taken action to move the monument to the Florence City Cemetery by pouring a pad for it’s relocation, held votes to move the monument, sent purported “letters of permission” and currently contend through their legal arguments to the court that the monument, “Eternal Vigil,” is county property that may be disposed of as they see fit. We simply ask that City of Florence and Lauderdale County officials retract their communications that show intent to violate the law and consent to an order of the court that ensures the officials will act in a way to protect Eternal Vigil. 

These two things will end the litigation with no additional costs to the County or City of Florence. There are no fines asked for by plaintiffs. In fact, they have not even asked for their legal costs. So why do our elected officials chose to contend for the “right” to do what they say they will not do and are legally forbidden to do by Alabama Law?

Our thoughts?

1. Ownership does matter. If the memorial does belong to the City of Florence, Lauderdale County should have no say in its removal. (If it should become legal.)

2. The Memorial Preservation Act was ill thought out, as apparently most of the state's legislation is. Using this rationale, the City of Enterprise couldn't even move the boll weevil statue. 

3. Melson and Company are mortgaging this county through 2121, but the war memorial is the most important issue? 

4. Finally, are we in for another hot summer of protests that drive locals and tourists alike from the downtown? 

How's this for a law? If anyone can't immediately identify this war, they will have their voting rights rescinded forever:

So the City of Florence Doesn't Own the Memorial?

 

In June 2020, the United Daughters of the Confederacy wrote in an official letter that the Confederate Monument belonged to the City of Florence. In other words, the city was the recipient in 1903. Then the following August an attorney appeared who stated it was all a mistake. Basically, the UDC still owns the monument..and it has no intention of allowing it to be moved.

Now we think the city might have problems with this "Indian Giving" two months later; however, it does get Florence off the hook of responsibility. We do wonder if the UDC will reimburse the city for the preparations that were made in the city cemetery to display the monument.

The letter:

Somehow we're reminded of how an attorney will go broke if he's the only one in town, but make a fortune if he's one of two. 

New HPNA Website

 

We've often heard that history is written by the winners. This statement frequently comes after a lecture comparing the American Revolution with the War Between the States. Did you ever think how the war for our independence would have been chronicled if the colonies had lost? We'll admit here that had we been living at the time, we would almost certainly have been a Loyalist to the Crown. 

Nothing is ever 100% black or white. Gray areas fill most of any nation's history, and a new group has formed to present what many feel is some much needed education on a still controversial era in our nation's history. From their press release:

Heritage Protection of North Alabama (HPNA) today published their new website: HPNA-USA.com Since its founding in 2020 as a grass roots organization, HPNA has enjoyed significant growth, and we continue to attract people from all walks of life. Our important work continues daily in counties across North Alabama. 

This website is a much needed resource and platform for the public, media, academia, civic organizations, history organizations and government officials in North Alabama and beyond. HPNA brings truth, facts, respect and rationale to the discussions of American and Southern culture, history and the War Between the States. In today’s politically charged world, where propaganda and falsehoods dominate, this has never been more important. Our website will keep North Alabama up-to-date on HPNA activity and the many ongoing initiatives our talented team is working every day. It provides a wide range of educational material. HPNA’s professional historians, scholars and authors give you the information and tools you need to find the truth and answers to your questions. 

These respected individuals are available for speaking and interviews by contacting us at HPNA.USA@gmail.com. HPNA members are from North Alabama communities and include people from all walks of life. Our organization is open to all persons who believe in the principles of our Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and who love America, the South and our Southern culture. Heritage Protection North Alabama does not condone any forms of extremism. We do not support any group or organization that does. There is no charge for membership. You can join HPNA by sending an email to: HPNA.USA@gmail.com.

HPNA