I think the biggest problem is the sheer number of Confederate flags. The battle flag is at the center of controversy, but I believe that most soldiers of the era took more pride in state or regimental flags. My direct ancestor enlisted in May 1861 and served until his death at Gettysburg. His four brothers also enlisted and were killed in the war. Census records indicate that none of them were slaveholders. Why did they fight and die? I really doubt that they fought for slavery, but we will never know. I could commission a replica of my ancestor's regimental flag or purchase a period state flag, but the battle flag honors the sacrifice of all of my relatives.
