While appalled at the display of the Stars & Bars on the Hartland Fire Department truck at the Albert Lea parade, I think some good can come of this.

As a condition of continued employment with the fire department, it would be a learning and healing experience if Mr. Nielsen was required to do some homework, and to write an essay of 1) Minnesota’s role in the Civil War, particularly the battle of Gettysburg; and 2) the use and symbolism of the Confederate battle flag from the 1940s to the present, to be published by the Albert Lea Tribune as a commentary.

Mr. Nielsen showed unawareness of history and said he didn’t think it would be a problem. If he has the opportunity to learn the meanings of the flag and of his actions and publicly display his awareness, both he and the fire department could pull out of this with grace.

 

Carol Overland

Red Win