Governor declares Confederate History and Heritage Month in Alabama

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley signed a proclamation Wednesday of last week in Montgomery that officially declared the month of April 2014 as Confederate History and Heritage Month across the state.

The complete proclamation reads as follows:

“Proclamation By the Governor of Alabama:

“WHEREAS, April is the month in which the War Between the States began; and

“WHEREAS, the history of this conflict is a significant part of Alabama history; and

“WHEREAS, high among the burdens of any community is the burden of armed conflict; and

“WHEREAS, Alabamians have admirably answered the grim call of duty when beckoned, from the era of the musket to that of the missile; and

“WHEREAS, conflict gave birth to the Confederate States of America in the city of Montgomery; and

“WHEREAS, Alabamians heeded the call to action with dignity, both at home and on the battlefield; and

“WHEREAS, upon the conclusion of the war, many of these same leaders and citizens worked tirelessly to reunite and rebuild this country and forge reconciliation; and

“WHEREAS, the knowledge of the role of the Confederate States of America in the history of our state and nation is vital to understanding who we are; and

“WHEREAS, we honor our past and draw from it the courage, strength and wisdom to reconcile ourselves and go forward into the future together as Alabamians and Americans:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2014, as Confederate History and Heritage Month in the state of Alabama.

“Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 12th day of March 2014.

“(Signed) Robert Bentley, Governor.”