U.S. civil strife over confederate symbols -------------------------------------------------------- The Confederate battle flag has long been the subject of contentious debate, considered by opponents as an emblem of racism and slavery but by supporters as a symbol of their heritage and history Rejected in 1861 as official emblem of Confederacy but adopted as battle flag by Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee Stars: Represent 13 states in Confederacy Colours: Red, white and blue represent valour, purity and truth Shape: Original flag was square Flag came to be most prominent symbol of Confederacy after South lost Civil War ---------------------------------------------------------- “REAL” CONFEDERATE FLAG: Confederate States of America – states that supported slave ownership and wanted to secede from United States – used three different flags during war Stars and Bars 1861-63. Extra stars added as more states joined confederacy Stainless Banner 1863-65. Incorporated battle flag as canton on white field Blood-Stained Banner 1865. Red bar added to avoid confusion with flag of truce ------------------------------------------------------------ STATE FLAGS: Various aspects of Confederate flags incorporated LICENCE PLATES: Several states offer specialty plates with Confederate insignia Georgia Mississippi --------------------------------------------------- Source: USFlag.org words 182