There is a large section of the May 30 New York Times edition devoted to the dedication. The final paragraph of the dedication speech is included:

"Let this monument teach to generations yet unborn these lessons of his life. Let it stand, not as a record of civil strife but as a perpetual protest against whatever is low and sordid in our private and public objects. Let it stand as a memorial of personal honor that never brooked a stain; of knightly valor without thought of self; of far-reaching military genius, unsoiled by ambition; of heroic constancy, from which no cloud of misfortune could ever hide the path of duty. Let it stand as a great public act of thanksgiving and praise for that it pleased Almighty God to bestow upon these Southern States a man so formed to reflect his attributes of power, majesty, and goodness."

Interestingly, the same day the monument was dedicated in Richmond, the city of Charleston, SC also celebrated. St. Michael's Church, whose bells were cast into cannon during the war, and recast into bells afterwards, played Confederate music such as "Dixie" and "The Bonnie Blue Flag" on the bells all day.

Honor Lee and Jackson

Many groups across the country will be honoring Lee and Jackson this month. I have created a special cockade option just for this occasion! You can order from my Etsy shop or my Ecwid shop.

I'm always happy to work with you if you need a custom order or a group discount. Just send me an email or message me on Facebook!