Letter to Blue Ridge Assembly Board

From: rebeleye@aol.com

Dear Mr. Eckel:

As a retired US veteran and a native Tarheel, I am very disappointed and saddened by your board decision to remove the name of Robert E. Lee from the building at Blue Ridge Assembly.

There is no finer example of a Christian veteran who nobly served his nation and his state than Gen. Robert E. Lee, who inspired many in the South and beyond to serve their country.  Many were the Southern soldiers at Normandy Beach, on the Inchon Peninsula in Korea, and in the rice paddies of Viet Nam who, compelled by the example of Gen. Lee,  gave their lives on its behalf.

I,  too, was inspired by Gen. Lee when I was an adolescent and subsequently avoided many of the vices that plagued my peers.  Lee's example inspired me to join the military where I honorably served the United States for over 24 years.  I continue to serve my country as an eye care provider at a VA Hospital.

It is indeed a sad day in America when "political correctness" trumps truth and when past heroes are judged according to 21st century standards.   Your decision to rename Lee Hall makes me very reticent to donate to your organization, and, as a result, I will tell my family, friends, and colleagues of this myopic decision.

I would hope you and the Board at Blue Ridge Assembly will rethink your decision.

Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,
Dr. Arnold M. Huskins