Of course we should honor Confederate soldiers

Why do people march in the Columbia Veterans Day parade with Confederate flag (“Stars and bars don’t belong in Columbia’s Veterans Day parade,” Dec 14)? We march to remember those who fought bravely and gave their lives when their states asked them. In those days, people considered themselves citizens of their state, not of the United States. This is why men such as Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson chose to defend their state even when they did not necessarily agree with secession.

There were many reasons for secession, but only one reason for the war: President Lincoln’s stated desire to preserve the union. Debating the causes can be an exercise in futility for those who are not willing to listen to the whole story, but honoring the veterans of South Carolina should not be controversial. Confederate veterans deserve to be remembered.