The Mathews Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Monday was raucous, with residents who were there in support of keeping the Confederate monument on the Court Green frequently shouting at the board and maintaining a nearly constant mumble of conversation.

A number of those in attendance spoke passionately about the monument, asserting that its purpose is to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War and the families who lost their loved ones.

All expressed opposition to including verbiage in the November referendum on the monument that would offer an opportunity to contextualize the statue. In the end, supervisors decided to include the following referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot:

“Shall the Mathews County Board of Supervisors relocate the Soldier’s & Sailor’s Monument located at the corner of Court and Church Streets on the Historic Court Green?”

During the public comment period, speakers were often met with applause and...