WHY DO THEY HATE ME? - Poem by Dr. William H. Swann 

Why do they hate me?

I’m just the Confederate Battle flag not a political stance
I was born to save lives, and I often got the chance
Nowhere did I stand for Politics, but flew in battles proud
My people easily recognized me as I stood out from the crowd

Against all odds my people fought, many gave their all
Many died trying to save me, their banner could not fall
I was honored by their devotion; you should have seen them fight
They fought for GOD, home and country, they knew that they were right

Battlefields filled with blood, so many lost their lives
Never again to see children, nor feel the touch of their wives
Too many times I was the last sight, my men would ever see
They didn’t want to conquer anyone; they just sought to be free

At a place called Appomattox, the war would finally end
No more family killing family, no more friend killing friend
General Lee addressed our troops, in a voice soft and kind
We were never beaten men, we just ran out of time.

I was retired with honor, but never in disgrace
No man could ever be ashamed to look on my face
I was often there at reunions, when veterans would meet and cheer
At the sight of this old battle flag, many would shed a tear.

Many years later I was honored once again
Many old Confederate States wanted to honor their fallen men
I would be part of State Flags; my people could look on my face
No longer in defeat, no longer in disgrace

Sadly today I’m unjustly attacked, people say I’m a symbol of hate
I just honor sacred dead; can this really be my fate?
Can I be labeled by people who don’t even know from whence I came?
How can people hate me who don’t even know my name?

Yet there are still some of my people out there fighting for me
I fly over Patriots dead and alive, being what I was created to be
A banner standing tall and proud, my people in trouble draw near
I still am the Confederate battle flag, My people gather here.

Dr. William H. Swann 1/12/04