My Appreciation

From: Douglas Crouse [mailto:graymalkin@verizon.net]
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008

Dear Mr Edgerton,

Sir, allow me a brief moment of your time to express my heartfelt appreciation for your courage and dedication.

As a great-great-grandson of Confederate soldiers on both sides of my family, I know the reason they rose to their respective states' (Virginia and North Carolina) call: for Southern Independence. Both were poor, white farmers. Neither owned slaves. Neither fought for the rich, powerful minority's "property." They fought for what their ancestors fought for in 1776: freedom from tyranny.

It saddens me to have seen the Confederate flag hijacked by racists, and degraded by the historically ignorant. You, good sir, are a true hero for all men and women of all colors who share a deep love of our Southern heritage.

I have long said my ancestors fought for ALL Southerners; all true Americans who have the patriots' blood in our veins.

You, Mister Edgerton, exemplify the pride in the South, and what our beloved flag truly stands for.

Should you ever visit near the Roanoke, Virginia area, I would be deeply honored to shake you hand. I do not say this lightly, sir: I would stand beside you proudly in defense of our shared Southern heritage, as my brother, against all that our oppressors would hurl against us, or bring upon us.

You are a symbol and an inspiration to us all, brother Edgerton!

May God Bless and Keep You, Sir

In the Spirit of the South,

Douglas Crouse

Roanoke, Virginia