The city of Franklin, Tennessee is preparing to honor those who fell at the Civil War Battle of Franklin in 1864. There is, however, a new wrinkle this year. The mayor, Tom Miller, has urged that the Confederate flag not make any appearance during the ceremony. Miller argues that while the flag to him is only a "historic emblem," to others "it is anathema." He went on to say that displaying the contentious symbol "could potentially polarize our community."

Miller’s decision has not come without criticism. Some in the community, including those who designed the upcoming ceremony, want to keep the flag, contending that a ceremony designed to commemorate the dead from both sides cannot do so if a significant part of the symbolism is banned. Ronny Mangrum, a civil war re-enactor, was quoted as saying, "you can’t change history."