Today, the 19th of January, is the birthday of the noble Son of the South, Robert Edward Lee. Born in 1807, Lee would prove in his lifetime to be one of the most capable commanders in military history. But he was not merely a man who mastered the machine of war – rather, he was also a father, a man of immense conviction and character, and a pious and long-suffering person. All of these traits serve as examples to the present, especially when contrasted to the navel-gazing and destructive attitudes of the current age. Lee was, and will remain, a man for all times. The present culture (or lack thereof) may deride him, but all may take solace in knowing that character is not negated by the fanciful and often fanatical attacks by his foes.

And while one should be rightly alarmed at the blatant anti-Southern sentiment which has gripped with hysteria both the new and aged institutions of North and South alike, one cannot allow the venomous hatred which impels these to act to overpower our own good sense. It is the love of the South, its heritage, and its heroes which will prevail. Hatred, without any sort of love to rest upon, will consume itself. Let us pray that we, like Lee, act when the time comes to act, but always bear love towards home and enemy host alike.

The Abbeville Institute (which does not have any affiliation with St Andrew’s News) is hosting a conference upon the implications of the attacks on Confederate monuments. While St Andrew’s News will likely not be in attendance, it is encouraged that any reader do so and support such a laudable institution. The location is in that “cultural crib” of the South, Charleston, South Carolina, on the 24th of February.

Events such as these are needed to re-enculturate Southerners and remind them of who they are and what they are presently losing. If any readers know of any other events, from demonstrations to educational talks, please contact St Andrew’s News so that we may relay the information.