General Robert E. Lee	General Nathan Bedford Forrest

In Memphis, Tennessee there are some who wish to change the name of General Forrest Park. School Boards have changed schools named for George Washington, Jefferson Davis and others. There have also been attempts to rewrite the history of "The Alamo" and cast a shadow over the heroism of Davy Crocket and Jim Bowie.

Are you angry yet?

Some people would erase our national heritage, but others now stand up and say "NO MORE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!"

The United Daughters of the Confederacy, an old-respected women's organization, have for over 100 years done outstanding work in historical preservation, patriotism and education. They were among the first ladies' groups to offer their services to the United States government war relief efforts during World War I and II. They have helped organizations like the American Red Cross.

This is the same "Band of Sisters" who, in the 1930s, helped many colleges with scholarship programs including Peabody College. The UDC helped the George Peabody College for Teachers build a new dormitory with the price tag of $150,000. For you history scholars, I would like to point out that this dormitory was built at a time when America was going through a devastating "Depression." This huge sum would be comparable to several million today.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy donated the generous sum of $50,000 toward the school's dormitory.

Today, Peabody College is Vanderbilt University. The school resides in the same city---Nashville---which gave us the world famous "Grand Ole Opry."

The depression years of the 1930s saw banks close and war in Europe. Millions were out of work. Money was scarce. Yet the United Daughters of the Confederacy found a way to help the school with a huge donation.

In appreciation for their efforts, the new dormitory was named "Confederate Memorial Hall." Plaques were placed in the hall to honor Confederate soldiers and the United Daughters of the Confederacy by the college.

Sadly, for the past several years there was an attempt to change the name of the dormitory because some people think the word "Confederate" is offensive. I had heard the word "diversity" used in the language of the College. I believe that "diversity" means inclusivity of all peoples and ideas. Am I wrong?

This is Political Correctness at the extreme. I worry about people who speak of tolerance when they mean tolerance for some but not for others. Whatever happened to old fashioned "Equal Opportunity" for everyone? I suppose that has changed, too!

The media has reported that the university and United Daughters of the Confederacy have been in court over Vanderbilt's desire to remove the name "Confederate Memorial Hall" from the building.

The good news is the Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled that Vanderbilt must leave the name "Confederate Memorial Hall" chiseled in stone on the dormitory. Vanderbilt University did not appeal the May 4, 2005 ruling.

The bad news is there are people who continue erase America's History and Heritage. It is time to stand up with the United Daughters of the Confederacy and say, "No More."

At what price our American heritage and family name?

Have a Dixie Day!

A native of Georgia, Calvin Johnson lives near the historic town of Kennesaw, home of the locomotive "The General" from the War Between the States. His email is: cjohnson1861@bellsouth.net.