Atlanta Man Lowers Confederate Flag on South Carolina Interstate, Deputies Confirm
Atlanta man’s act of defiance
An Atlanta man, identified as 22-year-old James Blitch, allegedly embarked on a near three-hour journey to South Carolina with the intention to lower the Confederate flag flying over Interstate 85 South. Deputies of the Spartanburg County confirm they apprehended him while trespassing onto a property late Saturday night.
After questioning, Blitch reportedly confessed to planning to lower the flag, which was initially hoisted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans in 2022. The territory where the flag stands belongs to the organization’s Spartanburg chapter. Bitch was subsequently released from custody Sunday afternoon.
Understanding the Confederate flag
The Confederate “battle flag” features a red backdrop, a blue “X,” and a white star for each of the 13 Confederate states. Regardless of its association with the Confederacy, it was never the formal signet of the confederation. The flag has since become a contentious symbol.
For many, the Confederate flag is a symbol of pride and an emblem of Southern heritage, meant to serve as a reminder of the American Civil War. However, others see it as a representation of division, hatred, and promotion of slavery.
Following the Civil War’s end, President Abraham Lincoln moved forward with the abolition of slavery. However, the flag retained its power as a divisive symbol, as it has been carried for decades by the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi groups, and various white supremacist factions. This has furthered the interpretation of the flag as an emblem from a past where not all Americans were free.
Removal of Confederate symbols in Georgia
There have been numerous attempts throughout Georgia to remove Confederate flags and statues from public locations, especially prominent in 2023. However, these efforts have often been met with backlash and legal retaliation. In response to these removals, the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans filed suits against several counties, but these lawsuits were all dismissed.
In June, Antonio Lewis, an Atlanta City Councilman, stated his intention to change local street names associated with the Confederacy. This sparked protests, but the motion is still ongoing. Meanwhile, in October, more friction arose when the popular Stone Mountain Park moved several Confederate flags closer to a smaller park featuring a statue of a Confederate soldier, sparking more controversy and threats of legal action from the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
