With Confederate battle flags flying from the back of a number of pickup trucks parked nearby, about 25-30 people gathered at Fort Nonsense Historical Park in Mathews this past weekend to defend a symbol, as well as a way of life, they feel is increasingly under attack.
The Southern Heritage Rally, organized largely through social media, was held Saturday afternoon at the historic site located near the Gloucester County line.
Brian Clemmons of Cobbs Creek, who opened the program, said that the rally was not about hate, but rather about honoring southern history and heritage, as well as standing up for what you believe in.
Clemmons also made it clear that violence had no place in the rally, and that anyone with violent intent would be asked to leave.
He said he hoped that future rallies could be held, with flag parades starting and ending at Fort Nonsense and making a loop through Route 14 to Mathews Court House and then back along Route 198. Perry Mason Forrest, owner of the Cobbs ...
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