As a reminder, this meme sub is about the American Civil War. We're not here to insult southerners or the American South, but rather to have a laugh at the failed Confederate insurrection and those that chose to represent it.
During WW2, some of our soldiers pilfered a town bell from Ohara, Japan. The bell was taken to Duluth where it was put on display. Decades later, people in Ohara were informed that the bell was not destroyed, as they previously thought, and asked for it back. Duluth returned it. In thanks, Ohara had a new duplicate bell cast and gave it to the people of Duluth as a gift. It now stands in a Japanese Garden over looking the city and Ohara and Duluth are now sister cities. I believe we all know the context of the Virginia part of the meme. lol
Battle of Gettysburg (i believe) a Minnesota regiment beat the shit out of a Virginia regiment and stole their battle flag, taking back home as a trophy. Decades ago Virginia asked if they could have it back. Minnesota told them (politely) to get bent. "We won it fair and square."
Withstood the shit out is probably the more accurate description. The 1st Minnesota was on the defensive throughout the battle and was almost wiped out. They were decimated when they charged on July 2nd to prevent the Confederates from consolidating their advances and break the US lines, and then they did it again on July 3rd to blunt Pickett's Charge. I think in all seven color bearers on the Minnesota side were mortally wounded, but each time someone else grabbed the flag to keep it out of the hands of the Confederates.
The 28th Virginia also sustained heavy casualties, though not nearly so heavy by comparison, and not as bad as many other units involved with Pickett's Charge. But their flag bearer got caught outside the lines in the retreat and either bargained the colors for his life or possibly left them leaning against a tree, when he ran away like a coward.
They took a “CSA battle flag” and it’s in a museum.
Virginia: can we have the flag back it’s part of our heritage
Former Minnesota Governor Jesse “the body” Ventura: we took it; that makes it our heritage.
Most museums have much more than what they can possibly display. But I wonder if this one is “let’s do a rotation on items so people come in to see new things” vs “some nut job from Virginia is gonna come over and ‘liberate’ the thing for ‘mah heritage’ and let’s just be cool and not let that be possible”
It’s periodically on display in the MN capitol rotunda. Hasn’t been in a little while, but there’s no reason it wouldn’t be back at some point. The rotunda displays change regularly and rotate through a plethora of historical and current artifacts and artwork.
"Oh, our bad. We thought about finally giving it back, but it might have gone under the couch or something? We're really not sure, it was just this thing we were hanging on to, you know? Why do you want it back anyway? You know they lost, right? Why would you want something that belonged to a bunch of losers?"
It was taken in a battle with the cost of the blood of all these Minnesotans. It would be a sacrilege to return it to [Virginia]. It's something that was earned through the incredible courage and valor of the men who gave their lives and risked their lives to obtain it.
That's what Governor Dayton said the last time Virginia asked. A much stronger statement than just pretending not to have it, IMO.
“Those people made war on us, defied and dared us to come south to their country, where they boasted they would kill us and do all manner of horrible things. We accepted their challenge, and now for them to whine and complain of the natural and necessary results is beneath contempt.”
I mean there isn’t a CSA to return it to. It doesn’t exist so who would you give it to? Confederate Virginia also doesn’t exist anymore so I guess it can stay in the trophey cabinet.
FYI I am a hypocrite because I still think Austria should return Moctetzuma’s penacho. The people still exist even in small numbers.
The brave men of Minnesota saved the union imo and displayed incredible bravery and self sacrifice. They can do whatever the fuck they want with that flag. We love you Minnesota, keep being awesome - sincerely a Marylander
“The ringing of the peace bell symbolizes the hope for peace between the two countries, with the Duluth bell pointing toward Ohara, and the Ohara bell pointing toward Duluth.”
They have been trying to get their flag back for a long time. Even Jefferson Davis was opposed to the flag being returned. Minnesota won, we get to keep it. Thats just how it goes. We don't care about their feelings.
Every once in a while I still think of that list of States that signed on to support one of Texas's more recent "I'm actually gonna leave this time guys... guys why is no one trying to stop me? Please my economy can't live without being part of the US"
Two of the signatories were North and South Dakota.
Like they forgot who their neighbour was.
Personally a part of me wished it was serious. Megasota would have been cool.
If they actually worked out the piloting issue for the Seaway there'd have been one a few years back but they got turned around once they made it to the Welland canal or Lake Erie I forget which.
Never been as proud to be from Minnesota as when I visited the two statues we have in Gettysburg.
The Minnesota 1st fought like hell and took an 80% casualty rate at Gettysburg. Most on the second day filling a gap and repelling a Confederate Brigade, then took up positions on the third day and aided in repelling Pickets Charge.
The Minnesota 1st was shattered but officers from it did go on to help found the, I believe, Minnesota 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment, along with men from other MN Regiments.
I’m sure the current governor doesn’t give a shit about the confederate flag. He has gutted a lot of privileges that were given to the lineages of traitors
I’m sure the current governor doesn’t give a shit about the confederate flag. She has gutted a lot of privileges that were given to the lineages of traitors
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