I’m all for holidays – those lazy days when you can sleep later than normal and spend all day doing exactly what you want.

In fact, I went on vacation last Friday. So, I appreciate them. I understand them.

But the one taken by state of Alabama employees yesterday, I just do not understand.

Confederate Memorial Day. A day, I assume, based on the definition of Memorial Day, that is meant to remember those who died fighting in the Civil War.

I wonder, though, how many of those who had the day off Monday realized its significance, or in my opinion, wastefulness.

Do we really need a Confederate Memorial Day?

Like many here in Shelby County and across the state, I love history.

Reading history books and researching historical events, especially those relating specifically to Alabama, is something I love to do.

But do we really need

Confederate Memorial Day as a state holiday?

There is no specific day for World War II Memorial Day. Or Korean War Memorial Day.

There’s no War of 1812 Memorial Day. Or even, Revolutionary War Memorial Day.

There is a Memorial Day. It happens on May 30 of every year.

And it is a time when those of us who love our country take a moment to remember the ones who have given their lives throughout our history.

So, then, why is a special Confederate Memorial Day necessary?

Why is it that we do not celebrate these veterans along with the rest of America’s veterans on the designated Memorial Day every May?

In a state with as many problems as Alabama, do we need to continue to take a state holiday specifically to celebrate a war of separation?

Not that I believe those soldiers should be left out.

There is certainly enough honor to go around; however, continuing to focus on the separation of the Confederacy is unacceptable if we want to move forward.

And speaking of moving forward, like many Alabamians and countless others traveling through our state on the way to the beach, I was blinded by a gigantic Confederate flag in north Autauga County.

I’m sure you’ve seen it. And I only wonder if it’s the image we wish to project to the thousands of visitors traveling down Interstate 65.

Surely there is something that can be done about this &uot;symbol.&uot;

Candace Parker serves as news editor at the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at mailto:candace.parker@shelbycountyreporter.com