This letter is to emphasize that the time has come for the Talbot Boys statue and monument to be removed from the courthouse grounds. The Talbot Boys who fought against the Union—of which Maryland was a part—were traitors. Further, under the U.S. Constitution, a person who makes war against the United States is guilty of treason.
It is bad enough that our country’s legacy of slavery and discrimination are so difficult to explain and justify to our children. It is impossible to justify why a monument to traitors occupies a place of honor at our county courthouse. Moreover, I have read that there were many more young men from Talbot County who fought for the Union than those few Talbot Boys who are being so honored.
Five generations ago, my forefathers were slaves. Over the years, my relatives have fought and died in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. I proudly served as an Army Captain during the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged in 1970. As a military veteran, it is particularly insulting that a monument was erected for those who fought against my country and who fought to perpetually enslave my race.
Roland J. Atkins, Esq.
Robert Kopec says
Very well put.
William Burton, MD says
Attempts to erase history are to be opposed at all cost. It is our history. Deal with it.
Cornelia Heckenbach says
Mr Burton what an answer ! That’s right it is time for this country to finally deal with it. Take the example of Germany how it dealt with the Nazi past . Everything that glorified it was removed , memorials were erected for the people that were killed by the Nazis to be never forgotten. Concentration camps became museums and Germans admit to their mistakes. The Statue of Liberty must be crying every day as long as this country does not “deal with it”.
Dick Deerin says
Time to remove the Talbot Boys statue and base. Put it in a cemetery where is belongs. Good letter.
Alan Boisvert says
Make America Great Again…..a cemetery sounds like the perfect place.
Pamela R Getson says
Best, most succinct commentary yet submitted on this topic. My compliments to Mr. Atkins.
Teach history. Honor only it’s heroes. Treasonous secessionists only deserve more illumination via instructing more widely about their malfeasance, not providing any visual memorial to their actions.
As I stated earlier, those pedestal participants are now name-shamed. For heavens sake…enough has been said…stop equivocating. Get rid of that idiotic, insulting monument. There is nothing being “erased” except ignorance.
Eva M. Smorzaniuk, M.D. says
A powerful letter by Mr. Atkins that states the facts irrefutably. It is time for us to “deal with” the mythology that we have created, and illuminate the facts of our history. I agree with the replies that the statue should come down in its entirety.
S. Swan says
Thank you for your service, Mr. Atkins, and for your thoughts on this matter. I agree.