Rally at Harrison County Confederate Monument

Opponents and supporters of the Confederate monument at the Harrison County Courthouse in Gulfport met there once again this evening as they continue to advocate for either relocating the monument or keeping it in its current location.

Heated arguments flared as people gathered to voice their opinions on the Harrison County Confederate monument.

After holding a similar rally 90 days ago, Jeffrey Hulum III organized a second one at the monument to urge the Harrison County Board of Supervisors to take action on the future of the statue. “We’re here to call for our elected officials to do their job which is take a vote on this monument.”

Situated at the Harrison County Courthouse in Gulfport, the monument was built in 1911 by the Daughters of the Confederacy and Harrison County Board of Supervisors.

Hulum says recent decisions to remove monuments in other Mississippi counties, along with the removal of the state’s flag, show that change is needed. “Why not Harrison County? Harrison County is one of the largest counties in the state.”

Others in attendance who favor keeping the monument in its current position say the monument is a tribute to the sacrifices Confederate soldiers made.  Monument Supporter Bruce Roberts said, “I don’t think that my ancestor or most of these other men thought they were fighting for slavery, or anything else, they were fighting because they believed they were defending their homeland.”

As for the county, the board of supervisors released a statement on the issue saying: “The Harrison County Board of Supervisors is still investigating the potential relocation of the monument at the Courthouse. Unfortunately, the board attorney advises that the statutes applicable to the monument limits the board’s authority to act.”

Despite tensions between those on each side of the issue, calls for civility were heard as people continue to debate this matter. “No craziness. It’s going to be peaceful at all costs, peaceful.”

“Certainly from my perspective or anybody that I know, we certainly don’t want to change that.”