back when Florida was still a territory.  Some of them served on the side of the Confederacy.  I had other ancestors who were from south Georgia that also fought wearing gray in that war [and in full disclosure, I had great-great grandfathers who served in the Grand Army of the Republic].  I well appreciate and understand the sentiments which lingered for decades in the South wrt that war, the legacy of carpetbaggers, and the sacrifices paid in blood and treasure.  Like many, I am proud of that service [on both sides] and celebrate my Southern heritage.  I support and see nothing wrong with remembering that part of our nation's history.  

That said, the addition of the Confederate Battle Flag to the State Flags of Georgia and Mississippi, AND the flying of that flag over Statehouses in the south generally did not begin until AFTER WWII ........ and in the case of South Carolina, until 1961 .... not 1861, but 1961.  These seem much more a response by leaders at the time to integration, civil rights legislation & court decisions rather than simply a celebration of heritage.  I'm sufficiently old enough to remember segregated public schools, separate water fountains, separate bathrooms, etc. Further, the flag in question has, sadly, also become a symbol of hatred and intolerance, co-opted by a small segment of the citizenry.  If it did not previously, it now is viewed as offensive by many.  

I have little doubt that some may be taking advantage of the tragedy in Charleston to push agendas, but this is an opportunity to do what I feel is a healing gesture.   We need to recognize how far we have come in this nation and not become intolerant through politcal correctness ......... but I'm fully on board with taking down the flag from the statehouse grounds in SC.