The controversy surrounding the Confederate flag has reached even Alaska, one of the youngest states in the union and one that did not fly the flag in its statehouse.
The Confederate flag flies primarily on private property in Alaska, including one fishing boat, the Hell N 1 in Deep Bay that was
highlighted by a photo in the Juneau Empire.
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But the issue is causing such strong feelings among people on both sides, that an annual display of every U.S. state
flag caused problems, Alaska Public Media reported. The event occurs in Juneau, the state capital, and objections were made about the Mississippi flag, which features the Confederate flag symbol in the corner.
"That’s not a welcoming symbol. That’s a symbol of intimidation and hatred. It’s a relic of a terrible time in our country’s history," APM quoted community member Matt McGuan speaking to the Juneau City Assembly when he asked that the flag be removed.
Others disagreed, pointing out that the display was one that incorporated all U.S. state flags and Mississippi should be included in that, APM said.
Acknowledging the divisive issue of the Confederate flag, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski asked Gov. Bill Walker in July 2015 to change the name of a state census district that was named after a confederate military leader, Wade Hampton, who was a former South Carolina governor, the Associate Press reported.
Concerns over the Confederate flag and its use at government facilities escalated after nine black churchgoers were gunned down at their Charleston, South Carolina, Bible-study by a 21-year-old who held racist beliefs. At the time, the Confederate flag, which many believe to be a symbol of racism, was flown at the South Carolina statehouse. It has since been removed.
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